How we cite our quotes: Chapter, Paragraph
Quote #1
Maud, my master's wife, was saying this was exactly why we needed a dog. "And a big dog, too," she added, none of us really frightened yet. It was a time of outlaws and traveling beggars, and we were prepared for whatever Heaven brought our way. (1.7)
This establishes that these characters live with a hammer dangling over their head. They're prepared for whatever God hits them with—and since it's the king's men at the front door, they're prepared for whatever the law sends their way as well.
Quote #2
In my ignorance of the ways of God and man I had faith that I could avenge my master's injury. I certainly believed that I could run like this forever, with the Virgin's help. (1.35)
In the beginning, Edmund has a very child-like idea of justice and thinks that he can avenge Otto's death by himself (sure you can, Edmund…). As for running, Edmund's hoping Mary will lend him a hand.
Quote #3
The foulest criminal could absolve himself of wrongdoing before Heaven by joining the army of God. I envied those war pilgrims. I knew that my master was a good man, but a criminal, and that they law would consider me guilty, too. (2.18)
Whenever someone is judged in this story, they're judged on two levels, both religious and governmental. So doing bad in the criminal sense is the same as doing bad in the sinner sense—they can't be separated. So even though it seems unfair that the law would punish Edmund for Otto's crime, Edmund assumes that it's God's will as well as King Richard's. Go team?