A student of history, if he wishes to learn more than a set of facts relating to the particular subject which he is considering, will be well advised to occasionally turn his attention to similar subjects and to contemporaneous events.
By so doing he will often be able to see the significance of matters which might otherwise escape his notice. The Fraternity with which this lecture deals has no direct connection with Freemasonry, although no doubt many of its members belonged to both Societies, but a consideration of its regulations may assist us to understand those of the Masonic Fraternity a century or more ago.
The title of the Fraternity is " The Ancient and most Benevolent Order of the Friendly Brothers of Saint Patrick,"
