"In better times the religion of the tribe or state has nothing in common with the private and foreign superstitions or magical rites that savage terror may dictate to the individual"

This quote by William Robertson Smith speaks to the difference in between public and private spiritual practices. He suggests that the religion of a people or state is distinct from the superstitions and wonderful rites that an individual might practice out of worry. To put it simply, the religious beliefs of a group is not always the same as the private beliefs of its members. This quote implies that in better times, the faith of a group is more organized and accepted, while specific superstitions and magical rites are viewed as less legitimate. This suggests that public religion is more respected and accepted than private religious practices. Eventually, this quote speaks to the value of distinguishing between public and personal spiritual practices, and the requirement to acknowledge the authenticity of both.