Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 7:21

21. I find then a law , that when I would do good, evil is present with me .

This Verse hath greatly vexed Interpreters. The Apostle speaking simply and abstractedly of a Law; The Question is, What Law he mean[illegible: 1 letter]? Some take the word improperly, for a Decree or Condition, which was imposed upon him, and to which he was necessarily subject; that when he would do good, evil should be present with him. Others by Law, here do understand the Law of Sin; of which he speaks afterwards, ver. 23, 25. Sin is like a Law, and so Powerful and Imperious, in its Commands and Dictates; that we have much ado, the best of us, to resist it, and shake off its Yoke. q. d. I find by sad Expeence, such a forcible Power in Sin, That when I would do good, I am hindered, and can't do it so freely and fully as I desire. Others by Law, here do understand the Law of God: And those that so understand it, have given no less, than Eight Interpretations, to make the Grammatical Connexion; the best is of those that say the Preposition [non-Latin text not transcribed] is understood, a frequent Ellipsis in the Greek Tongue (vid. Iames 1.25.) and then the Sence is this; I find that when according to the Law or Command of God, I would do good, evil is present with me.

Another Periphrasis of Original Sin, of which there are many in this Chapter. Just now it was the Sin that dwelleth in us, and here it is the Evil that is present with us: It inheres and adheres, or hangs upon us continually. It is Adjacent, so the Greek Word signifies, and alwayes at hand; we carry it about with us at all times, and into all Places; whither soever we go, it follows us; or as it is here in our doing of Good, it is a very great Impediment to us.