Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Corinthians 7:2

2 Receive us , We have wronged no man , we have corrupted no man , we have defrauded no man .

Let us have a room in your hearts and esteem, or (more generally) accept us, as you ought to receive and accept the Ministers of Christ. As our heart is inlarged towards you, so let your hearts be inlarged towards us; we have done nothing to alienate your hearts from us.

We have done no harm to any of you, we have not been like Shepherds that meerly take the fleece, and eat the flesh of the flock; Acts 20.33. I have coveted no mans silver, or gold, or apparel.

We have corrupted none by any false Doctrine, or by flattering Speeches, or by Bribes or Gifts.

We have cheated, or defrauded no man. By which Vindication of, or Apology for himself, and his Fellow-labourers; it is not improbably judged, that the Apostle reflecteth upon those false Apostles and Teachers that were crept into this Church, who had wronged him, corrupted them, and been too busie in other ways to pick their pockets. Nothing becometh more a Minister of the Gospel, than innocency and righteousness, nothing more commends him unto his people: For though they are easily perswaded, that an innocent and just man must be a pious man, yet they are difficulty perswaded, (and there is no reason for it) that an unjust or mischievous man can be so. Men are so mad of their lusts, that oft-times Teachers, who will favour them in them, though never so unjust and unrighteous in their actings, shall find more favour with them, than the most righteous person, that will not spare them as to their Herodi[illegible: 1 letter]s. But he who will entertain the least hopes to bring men off from their lusts and sinful practices, is concerned above all men to be innocent and righteous.

Marginal references: Chap. 12.17.