REGENERATION. 335 They have a special 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 his death and blood- shedding he made a double pur- chase 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 with- out blemish." Eph. 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 regenerated, 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 has this especial relation unto the death of Christ, that he designed therein toprocure it for his peo- ple. 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 has an es- pecial relation unto his intercession, and that in a dis- tinguishing manner from any other gifts or common graces that other men may receive. Giving us the rule and pattern of his intercession, John, 17, he tells us that he so prays, not for the world, but for his own, those whom the Father had given him, because they were his. ver. 9. And what is it that he prays for for them, in distinction from all other men whatever l Amongst others, this is one principal thing, "Sanctify them through thy truth," ver. 17. Their sanctification
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