I read "thinking people." I've never heard or read anyone say that morality is inherent. But then again, the concept of morality that thinking people surmised back them, was certainly a part of their consciousness.

"Some Christians pretend that Christianity was not established by the sword; but of what period of time do they speak? It was impossible that twelve men could begin with the sword: they had not the power; but no sooner were the professors of Christianity sufficiently powerful to employ the sword than they did so, and the stake and faggot too;" --- Thomas Paine