“In every nature, and in every portion of nature, which we can descry, we find attention bestowed upon even the minutest parts. The hinges in the wings of an earwig, and the joints of its antennae, are as highly wrought, as if the Creator had nothing else to finish. We see no signs of dimunition of care by multiplicity of objects, or of distraction of thought by variety. We have no reason to fear, therefore, our being forgotten, or overlooked, or neglected.”

— William Paley

Source: Natural Theology (1802), Ch. 27 : Conclusion.

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William Paley 15

Christian apologist, natural theologian, utilitarian 1743–1805

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