A brief exposition with practical observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that…A briefe exposition with practicall observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that…

Secondly, Others think by just overmuch, he meaneth rigorously just, who will remit no punishments, nor debts, nor rights, but exact Justice to extremity. And indeed had David punished Joab for his murder of Abner and Amasa, he had destroyed himself, 2 Sam. 3.39. But that overmuch righteousness is opposed to clemency or moderation; whereas this here is opposed to wickedness.

Secondly, Others thinke by just overmuch, he meaneth rigorously just, who will remit no punishments, nor debts, nor rights, but exact Justice to extremity. And indeed had David punished Joab for his murder of Abner and Amasa, he had destroyed himselfe, 2 Sam. 3.39. But that overmuch righteousnesse is opposed to clemency or moderation; whereas this here is opposed to wickednesse.

Thirdly, Others therefore understand the righteousness here spoken of to be Universalis justitia, universal righteousness, opposite to all wickedness. But neither can that be the meaning of the word here. For, 1. No man can exceed in that righteousness, he cannot be overmuch righteous in that sense, no, though he were as righteous as Angels, as Christ Jesus, yea, infinitely righteous as God is, Psal. 16.3. to the excellent. 2. Neither can a man in Scripture phrase be said to perish in that righteousness, though he should dye for it. Stephen dying for his righteousness, or any other Martyr, is never said to perish in his righteousness, but to glorify God, Joh. 21.18, 19, yea and to honour and prefer himself, 2 Tim. 2.12. 2 Cor. 4, 17. But in Scripture phrase a man is said to perish in his iniquity,