John Trapp on Matthew 23:5

Verse 5. To be seen of men] Theatrically, thrasonically, and for ostentation, as stage-players or painted-faces. See notes on, chap. 6. verse 2. 5. Saints more seek to be good, then seem to be so. They make broad their Phylacteries] That is, Conservatories, so called 1. Because of the use of them, the law was kept in remembrance. 2. Because the superstitious Pharisees conceited, that by the wearing of them about their necks, themselves might be kept from danger, as by so many spels: what they were, see the Notes above on, Matth. 22. 40. Enlarge the borders of their garments] God had charged the [illegible: 1 word] to binde the law to their hand, and before their [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word]. 6. 8. wherein (as Hierom and Theophylact well interpret it) he meant the meditation and practice of his law. They (saith a learned Author) like unto the foolish patient, which when the [illegible: 1 word] si puellus [illegible: 1 word] patris pij vestigijs in fistendum, patris iter sacient is sirgula vestigia observaret, & in ijsdem pedes suos poneret. Physitian bids him take the prescript, eats up the paper, if they could but get a list of parchment upon their left arme next their heart, and another scroll to tye upon their forehead, and four corners of fringe, or (if these be denied) a red threed in their hand, thought they might say, Blessed be thou of the Lord, I have done the commandment of the Lord. What was this but as Mr Tindall said in another case, to think to quench their thirst by1 Sam, 16. 13. sucking the Ale-powl.