A path way i[n]to the holy scripture

Alas wherefore hath god given this law which ⟨image 34⟩is so burdenous & so weighty? And on this fashion the flesh sore grieved with the weight of the law / which is more than he can bear / perceiving how sore it doth condemn him & all his deeds / beginneth for to curse & hate the law / & so consequently god which made the law. & for this cause saint Paul saith / The law worketh anger / in as much as the flesh knowing his offences & having his offences laid before him by the law / and seeing that he can not rise out of them / doth wrestle and strive with himself / & murmuring against the law / as before is said / questioneth & reasoneth in him self: why god gave the •awe to Adam of the fruit of life / and why he made him not of such nature that he should not sin / & such other things which by great ignominies & blasphemies against god ⟨image 35⟩and his high wisdom: which man being but ashes & dust / presumeth to judge & reprehend the divine prudence. And it is as much as to will that god were not god. For if he were not righteous in every thing / he were not god / & his justice & righteousness require / that such inhibitions & laws should be ministered to the orgulous & proud flesh / for to bring him down out of his pride. Wherefore to will that these holy laws were not given to men / is to will that god were not: & such be the blasphemies of the flesh when she receiveth the law / which is spunall / in the which she hath no intendment nor understā ding: for she weneth to compass it by works / which thing only faith doth. And now wham he seeth & perceiveth / that though he do never so much he can not accomplish or fulfil the law / than is he full of horror & ⟨image 35⟩of despair / seeing that hell is ready for him / because of the transgression of the law / & when he can imagine •o ways to avoid the indignation of the law / than all desolate & full of despair he begineth to abhor the law / & without the father of heaven draw him & inspire him / the way to fulfil the law / he doth all contrary to it. For of him self he can not choose but sin & do evil. And therefore is the law given us / because we should know our s•nes / & the only of fyce of the law is not to justify us: