An abridgement of the Institution of Christian religion written

12 The first table containeth four commandments: the second six.

12 The first table containeth four commaundements: the second sixe.

13 And because the first thing to be regarded in making laws,¹ is, that they be not broken or abrogated through contempt, God provideth in the proheme or beginning,² that the majesty of the law may not come in contempt, and that by three arguments: first,³ he challengeth to himself the power and right of the government, that he may bind the people with necessity to obey,⁴ saying, I am the Lord. Secondly, he setteth down the promise of grace, and professeth himself to be the God of his church.⁵ Furthermore he maketh mention of a benefit, wherein he reproveth the Jews of unthankfulness, unless they answer his goodness.

13 And because the first thing to be regarded in making lawes,¹ is, that they be not broken or abrogated through contempt, God prouideth in the proheme or beginning,² that the maiestie of the lawe may not come in contempt, and that by three arguments: first,³ hee challengeth to himselfe the power and right of the gouernment, that he may bind the people with necessitie to obey,