John Trapp on 2 Corinthians 3:1

CHAP. III. Verſe 1. Doe we begin again, &c.]

AS we had done before, cap. 1.12.Plin. l. 1. epiſt. 8

To commend our ſelves] Quod magnificum referente alio fuiſſet, ipſo qui geſſerat recenſente vaneſcit. Let another man praiſe thee, and not thine own mouth, Prov. 27.2. Laus proprio ſordeſcit in ore. But the Apoſtle was neceſſitated to it.

As ſome others, letters of commendation] As the falſe Apoſtles, who carried it by teſtimonials: in giving whereof many good people are much too blame. Beauty needs no letters of commendation, ſaith Aristotle: much leſſe doth vertue, where it is known. If morall vertue could be ſeen with mortall eyes, ſaith Plato, it would ſoon draw all hearts to it ſelf.