"It is to be noted that when any part of this paper appears dull there is a design in it"

In this quote, Richard Steele is recommending that there is a function behind every element of his writing. He acknowledges that some parts of his paper might seem dull or unexciting, but he wants the reader to comprehend that this is deliberate. There is a purposeful design behind every word and sentence, and even the seemingly dull parts serve a greater function in communicating his message. This quote highlights the idea and effort that goes into crafting a piece of writing, and encourages the reader to look beyond the surface and try to comprehend the much deeper significance behind it.