I even flatter myself that this arrangement will
contribute not only to my quiet but to your interest. The
clamour against the Dialogues, if published first, might
hurt for some time the sale of the new edition of his works,
and when the clamour has a little subsided the Dialogues may
hereafter occasion a quicker sale of another edition.
[October, 1776]
Almost a half of a year later, Strahan was still undecided about
whether he would even assume the task of publishing Hume's
Dialogues. In the following letter to Hume's nephew, Strahan
explains that it might appear better if it was published by the
nephew himself.
As for Mr. Hume's Dialogues on Natural Religion, I am not
yet determined whether I shall publish them or not. I have
all possible regard to the will of the deceased: But as that
can be as well fulfilled by you as by me, and as the
publication will probably make some noise in the world, and
its tendency be considered in different lights by different
men, I am inclined to think it had better be made by you.
From you some will conclude it comes with propriety as done
in obedience to the last request of your Uncle; as he
himself expresses it; from me it might be suspect to proceed
from motives of interest. But in this matter I hope you will
do me the justice to believe I put interest wholly out of
the question.
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