by
Robert Longfield, Q.C.

This Lecture
on the Origin of Freemasonry

delivered in their Lodge of Instruction
and by them deemed worthy of publication is respectfully dedicated

by their faithful brother
Robert Longfield

February 14, 1857 The ORIGIN OF FREEMASONRY

The subject which I have selected for this evening’s lecture is the “Origin of Freemasonry”, a theme which will at once, I should hope, invite the attention of each of my hearers — members themselves of that mysterious and widely-spread body. Every brother has indeed, on his initiation into the Craft, gained some little insight into that which, traditionally at least, has, for many ages, been handed down to us as the origin of that fraternity, of which , we must confess, we are now the scarcely recognised representatives; but few, perhaps, have considered how much truth is hid in our legends, and how realities have been converted into symbols. Few have reflected whether our pretended ancient descent is not a mere modern invention, or whether the present appearance of the Order is the transition state of a mystery corrupted from its purer source in its descent through ages. But your presence here, in this “Lodge of Instruction,” convinces me that all apathy on the subject of our organization is past, and that you are anxious to increase the knowledge, the respectability, the zeal, and utility of the fraternity of Freemasons.

The subject I have chosen has been discussed by many learned and acute writers. They have endeavoured to pierce the dark gloom under which, at one time, was hid, almost impenetrably, the origin of Freemasonry, and the probably era of its commencement. Of the labours of those learned and sagacious writers I shall largely avail myself, claiming no credit for any singularity or profundity of my views, but only for the diligence with which I have gleaned from others, and sought to extract, from their speculations, suggestive food for your reflection on this interesting topic, which might also excite the desire in your minds for deeper and more extended research. I have, in truth, but endeavoured to compress into the space of an evening’s sitting, the results derived from larger and more accurate works connected with the long-debated question, the “Origin of the Order”.

One of the chief objects in such an inquiry as the present is to ascertain if there exists in the secrets and ceremonies, or tenets of the Craft, any evidence of the antiquity, the wisdom, or grandeur of the founders? Are Freemasons a collection of mere convivial individuals — a club, in short, united by some secret signs, but for useless objects, and who would, therefore, in vain seek to graft some appearance of excellence on intrinsic worhtlessness? Are they indeed men, but condescending to be amused with trifles fit only for children? Or are their traditions probably linked with

“The wondrous fame
of the past world, the vital words and deeds
Of minds whom neither time nor change can tame,
Traditions old and dark?”

And have they preserved, amidst much that is new, idle, and mere modern adaption, some traits of the almost superhuman wisdom and excellence of their foundation? Each true Mason who hears me will, I am sure, hope that the latter may prove to be the case, and will himself aid in the effort, by united energy, zeal, and honesty of purpose and action, to elevate the body into that place in the social scale which his belief, if not his rational conviction, tells him it once enjoyed. Degenerate worth may be restored; nothing can change folly to wisdom. Symptoms of that probable restoration to ancient glory I already perceive in the earnest desire for improvement and mental culture manifested by the brethren generally.

With those few preliminary observations, designed to awaken your attention, and not to advance any peculiar theory, I shall now attempt to throw some light upon the origin of Freemasonry. But let me first ask your indulgence if, in any remarks which I shall make, it may seem as if I spoke in depreciatory terms of our Order. Such is not my intention; and you will, I hope, kindly attribute to some other motive whatever may not appear laudatory. Even censure, however sparingly applied, may often prove as effectual an instrument of regeneration as unmerited praise. I would also ask your brotherly forbearance if I might appear too openly to touch on the secrets of the Craft. I have, indeed, diligently endeavoured to avoid this error, but if I should, notwithstanding, have fallen into it, I shall gladly receive the fraternal correction. “Sit mihi fas audita loqui” is my guiding wish.

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