Matthew Poole and continuators on Galatians 5:17

17 For the flesh lusteth against the spirit , and the spirit against the flesh , and these are contrary the one to the other , so that ye cannot do the things that ye would .

By the flesh and the spirit, we cannot so much understand the sensitive and rational appetite; for these two appetites are not so contrary, but that in many things they agree well enough; and we are Enemies not only in our sensitive part to spiritual things, but [non-Latin text not transcribed], in our mind and rational part also; Col. 1.21. And some of the fruits of the flesh, which are afterward mention'd, ver. 19.20. (such as Idolatry, Heresies, &c.) cannot be referred to the sensitive part. But by these terms are either to be understood the unregenerate part of man; or rather, that carnal concupiscence which we derived from Adam, and is seated in our rational as well as sensitive appetite; which opposeth it self to the divine rule, and to the dictates and motions of the Spirit of God.

This concupiscence moveth strongly against the directions of the Spirit.

And the Holy Spirit of God dwelling in the Saints, moveth as potently against the propensions and inclinations of the flesh.

For they are two contrary principles, and work contrarily in their motions and inclinations.

So that even the best of Gods people cannot at all times do either what they should do, (according to the precept of the word,) or what they would do, according to the bent of their regenerate part.

Marginal references: Rom. 7.[illegible: 1 letter] & 8.6, 7.; Rom. 7.19.