Secularism seeks to supersede Religion, and to substitute _morality_ in its stead,--but a _morality_ which leaves men irresponsible for their belief, their passions, and even their actions, to any superior Power.
"The histories of all ages," says Mr.Holyoake, "and the bitter experience of mankind, prove the pernicious influence of piety.

It seems a more useful work cannot be performed than to sweep away the assumed foundations of all religions." "I deem it inimical to human welfare, and should no more proceed to supply a new religion than the people who had just interred the cholera would think of raising a plague....

Religion is a distraction of social progress; once removed, no wise man will desire its restoration." "But one question remains to be answered, If Religion is not our proper business, what is?
I answer, _Morality_!...

By Religion I understand a system of human duties, commencing from a God: by Morality a system of human duties, commencing from man.

Religion asks but one question, Is an act pleasing to Deity?
Morality makes the wiser inquiry, Is an act useful to man?
The standard of religion varies with fickle creeds; the standard of morality is _utility_."[305] "There exist (independently of Scriptural Religion) guarantees of morality in human nature, in intelligence, and utility." "Morality, that system of human duties commencing from man, we will keep distinct from Religion, that system of human duties assumed to commence from God."[306] "Nature refers us to science for help, and to humanity for sympathy; love to the lovely is our only homage, study our only praise, quiet submission to the inevitable our _duty_, and work is our only worship."[307] "We, by establishing morals independently of scriptural authority, and basing them on secular considerations,--more immediate, more demonstrative and universal,--attain a signal benefit; for when Inspiration is shaken, or Miracles fail you, or Prophecy eludes the believer, he breaks away, and probably falls into vice; while we hold the thinker by the thousand relations of Natural Affection, Utility, and Intelligence, which the Christian distrusts....