The following in is an excerpt from Moses Mendelssohn's "Reply to Lavater" (Thinking Like a Historian): "Sometimes, however, the opinions of my fellow men, which in my belief are errors, belong to the higher theoretical principles which are too remote from practical life to do any direct harm; but, precisely because of their generality, they form the basis on which the nation that upholds them has built its moral and social system, and thus happen to be of great importance to this part of the human race. To oppose such doctrines in public, because we consider them prejudices, is to dig up the ground to see whether it is solid and secure, without providing any other support for the building that stands on it. Anyone who cares more for the good of humanity than for his own fame will be slow to voice his opinion about such prejudices, and will take care not to attack them outright without extreme caution."
Based on this passage, in Mendelssohn's view, what purpose is served by religion?

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Mendelssohn suggests that some opinions of his fellow men, which he views as errors, are essential to the moral and social system of the nation that upholds them. These opinions, which are founded on religion, are too remote from practical life to do any direct harm, but are of great importance to a part of the human race. Therefore, Mendelssohn argues that opposing such religious beliefs is not helpful; instead, we should be cautious when voicing our opinions in these matters. This suggests that religion serves as the basis of the moral and social system of a nation, according to Mendelssohn.

The Following in Is an Excerpt from Moses Mendelssohn's "Reply