A treatise of original sin ... proving that it is

Thirdly, Original sin is a Law, because by this a man is bound and captivated to the lusts thereof, there is an indissoluble union till death. Thus the Apostle argueth from the Law of an Husband and his Wife, she cannot marry another, while her Husband lives; Neither can we be married to Christ, while this is predominant, yea, we must die, ere we be wholly freed of it.

Thirdly, Original sinne is a Law, because by this a man is bound and captivated to the lusts thereof, there is an indissoluble union till death. Thus the Apostle argueth from the Law of an Husband and his Wife, she cannot marry another, while her Husband lives; Neither can we be married to Christ, while this is predominant, yea, we must die, ere we be wholly freed of it.

Fourthly, Original sin is called a Law of sin within us, because of the injurious command and rule it hath in every man by nature: And this indeed is the most explicit and formal reason, why it is called a Law; for to a Law there is not only required a directive power, for so counsels and admonitions have, which are no Laws; but there must be also a preceptive and commanding power; so that a Law hath vim coactivum, a compelling force; to have a thing done; and in this respect, the Apostle gives it this Title of a Law of sin within us, for even in the person of a regenerate man; What sad complaints doth he make of this tyrannical power of sin within him? He is not his own man, he cannot do what he would, yea he doth what he would not; insomuch that he calls himself carnal, and sold under sin: These expressions are so great, that therefore some have thought they could not be applied to a godly man; For it is said of Ahab, as a sure Character of his wickedness, That he sold himself to do evil, 1 Kings 21. 20. but Ahab did that willingly; Paul is here passive, he is sold against his will, because sin hath such tyranny over him: Therefore the afflicted Israelite did not more groan to be delivered from his oppression, than Paul crieth out to be delivered from this body of sin; Well therefore may this birth-pollution be called, The Law of sin within us, for it ruleth all, it commands the whole man; what sin bids us think, we think; what it bids us do, we do; No natural man can do otherwise: The Apostle speaks peremptorily, They that are in the flesh cannot please God?