The very identity of an institution is bound up irrevocably with the story of its origin, its development, and its traditions, all of which must be familiar to the workers of today, if the movements of yesterday are to be perpetuated and continuity of life and effort maintained. The past must impart its wisdom to the present that the future may justify both and fulfil their aspirations.

Few communities emerge from the by-paths of history often enough to be met with on the high-ways; and general works, even of Church history, are in consequence practically useless except at the cross roads, where they serve only to point the way.