he could come at him, he would approach even as a prince unto him, and as such would order his cause before him, Job 23.3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Chap. 31.35, 36, 37.
Also before his friends, how bold was he? For ever as they laid to his charge that he was an hypocrite, he refels them with the testimony of a good conscience, which good conscience he got and kept, and maintained by increasing in the fear of God, yea his con∣science was kept so good by this grace of fear, (for 'twas by that that he eschewed evil) that 'twas common with him to appeall to God when accused, and also to put himself for his clearing under most bitter curses and impre∣cations, Job 13.3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24. Job 31.
This fear of God is it that keeps the consci∣ence clean and tender, and so free from much of that defilement that even a good man may be afflicted with, for want of his growth in this fear of God.
Yea let me add, if a man can with a good conscience say that he desires to fear the name of God, it will ad boldness to his soul in his approaches into the presence of God. O Lord, said, Nehemiah, I beseech thee let thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy Servant, and Servants, who desire to fear thy name, Nehe. 1.11.