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There must be something in the world more than what we see. It is a further step to know, that, amongst the invisible things of nature, there must be "an intelligent mind", concerned in its production, order, and support.

— William Paley Natural Theology or Evidences of the Existence and Attributes of the Deity (1802)

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More quotes by William Paley

It is a step to have it proved, that there must be something in the world more than what we see. It is a further step to know, that, amongst the invisible things of nature, there must be an intelligent mind, concerned in its production, order, and support.

Natural Theology (1802)

I have seldom known any one who deserted truth in trifles that could be trusted in matters of importance.

Wanton, and, what is worse, studied cruelty to brutes, is certainly wrong.

The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy (1785)

A large part of Christian virtue consists in right habits.

God, when he created the human species, wished their happiness; and made for them the provision which he has made, with that view, and for that purpose.

The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy (1785)

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Most intellectual people do not believe in God, but they fear him just the same.

Wilhelm Reich Philosophy : An Introduction to the Art of Wondering (2005)

When the mind is not dissipated upon extraneous things, nor diffused over the world about us through the senses, it withdraws within itself, and of its own accord ascends to the contemplation of God.

Basil of Caesarea

Once you accept the existence of God — however you define him, however you explain your relationship to him — then you are caught forever with his presence in the center of all things.

Morris West The Clowns of God (1981)

God seeks comrades and claims love,
the Devil seeks slaves and claims obedience.

Rabindranath Tagore Fireflies (1928)

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: William Paley (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.