A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

Secondly, The Graces of those that are Regenerate have a manifold Respect or Relation to the Lord Christ that the common Graces of others have not. I shall name one or two of these Respects: First, They have an especial moral Relation to the Mediatory Acts of Christ in his Oblation and Intercession. Especial Grace is an especial part of the purchase of Christ by ⟨p. 333⟩his death and blood-shedding. He made a double purchase of his Elect; of their persons to be his; of especial Grace to be theirs. He gave himself for his Church, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that he might present it unto himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish, Ephes. 5. 26, 27. The design of Christ in giving himself for his Church, was to procure for it that Especial Grace, whereby through the use of Means, it might be regenerate, sanctified and purified. So Titus 2. 14. He gave himself that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works. Real purification in Grace and Holiness hath this Especial Relation unto the Death of Christ, that he designed therein to procure it for them for whom he dyed. And in the pursuit of his Purchase or Acquisition of it, his purpose was really to bestow it upon them, or effectually to work it in them. Moreover, it hath an Especial Relation unto his Intercession; and that in a distinguishing manner from any other Gifts or common Graces that other men may receive. Giving us the Rule and Pattern of his intercession, Joh. 17. He tells us, that he so prays not for the world, but for his Elect; those which the Father had given him, because they were his, v. 9. And what is it that he prays for them, in distinction from all other men whatever? Amongst others, this is one principal thing that he insists on, v. 17. Sanctify them through thy Truth. Their Sanctification and Holiness is granted upon that Prayer and Intercession of Christ, which is peculiar unto them with an exclusion of all others, I pray for them, I pray not for the world. Now the common Grace of unregenerate persons, whereby they are distinguished from other men, whatever it be, it hath not this Especial Relation to the Oblation and Intercession of Christ. Common Grace is not the procurement of Especial Intercession.