We may go further. We may admit, nay, we must vehemently maintain,
that Morality without Religion is far better than Religion without
Morality. Look at this man who makes no profession of Religion, but
who is temperate, honest, self-sacrificing for the public good. Look
at that man who made a loud profession, but who was leading a life of
secret vice, who was false to the trust reposed in him, who
appropriated what had been committed to his charge. Can there be any
doubt, we are triumphantly asked, that of these two, the religious is
inferior to the irreligious? There can be no doubt whatever, would be
the reply of every well-instructed Christian. Morality without
Religion is incalculably better than Religion without Morality. But
what does this prove with regard to Christianity? It simply proves how
eternally true is the parable {38} of our Lord: 'A certain man had two
sons, and he came to the first and said, Son, go work to-day in my
vineyard. He answered and said, I will not, but afterwards he repented
and went. And he came to the second and said likewise. And he
answered and said, I go, sir, and went not. Whether of them twain did
the will of his father? They say unto Him, The first,' and our Lord
confirmed the answer.