But within this new family the aim of the gild was to establish a mutual responsibility as close as that of the old.

"Let all share the same lot," ran its law; "if any misdo, let all bear it." A member could look for aid from his gild-brothers in atoning for guilt incurred by mishap.

He could call on them for assistance in case of violence or wrong.

If falsely accused they appeared in court as his compurgators, if poor they supported, and when dead they buried him.

On the other hand he was responsible to them, as they were to the State, for order and obedience to the laws.