the core of our civilization...

In Emerson's lecture, "Character" (not to be confused with the essay by the same name in "Essay: Second Series," the "trappings of orthodox religion don't come out too well.  The importance of the Sabbath, however, does a little better:

"Religion is as inexpugnable as the use of lamps, or of wells, or of chimneys. We must have days and temples and teachers. The Sunday is the core of our civilization, dedicated to thought and reverence. It invites to the noblest solitude and the noblest society, to whatever means and aids of spiritual refreshment. Men may well come together to kindle each other to virtuous living. Confucius said, " If in the morning I hear of the right way, and in the evening die, I can be happy."

Have a blessed Sabbath