"Poor David Hume is dying fast, but with more real cheerfulness and good humor and with more real resignation to the necessary course of things, than any whining Christian ever dyed with pretended resignation to the will of God"

Adam Smith's quote is a commentary on the difference in between the attitudes of a non-believer and a follower when facing death. He is applauding the theorist David Hume for his nerve and acceptance of death, keeping in mind that he is facing it with "real happiness and excellent humor" and "real resignation to the necessary course of things". Smith is contrasting this with the "whining Christian" who claims to accept death as the will of God, however in truth is not genuinely resigned to it. Smith's point is that Hume's mindset is more authentic and admirable than the Christian's, as Hume is dealing with death with real acceptance and courage.