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I. God's salvation, as the object of view of which Simeon speaks — "Mine eyes have seen Thy salvation." What is it? God's salvation. Then it must be worthy of Himself. Is it God's salvation? Then it is adapted to man's ruin. Is it God's salvation? Then it secures a whole revenue of praise and glory to His great name. Is it God's salvation? Then man has no band in it. Is it God's salvation? Then it is like the altar which God commanded Moses to build — "If thou lift up a tool upon it, thou hast polluted it." Is it God's salvation? Then it originates with Him; it is accomplished by Him; it is imparted by Him; it redounds to His own glory; in the experience and eternal blessedness of those whom He saves.

II. Let us pass on, in the second place, to notice the nature of the sight. "Mine eyes have seen" it. There are men now in the professing Church who see clearly with the mental vision, but without faith. I was once told by an avowed infidel, who had read the Bible a great deal, but whose eyes the god of this world had blinded, "Well, sir, I am brought to the full conviction, that if the Bible be true, your view of it is the right one." Now, he "saw" it. I merely name this to show you that there is such a thing as seeing it without its being a saving sight. I wish my hearers to come to an investigation of this. When Simeon said, "Mine eyes have seen," it was not a desultory, nominal statement of things, as if his eyes had seen a babe only. He saw beyond that. You may have seen some volumes of theology very clearly written, and setting forth the salvation of Christ Jesus with scriptural accuracy; you may say that its arguments are quite irresistible, and be brought to see that they are so; but that is quite a different thing from the sight intended in my text — "Mine eyes have seen." This is the view which faith takes of Christ. And the view that faith takes of Christ implies that faith exists. Moreover, faith views in the official character and work of Christ the relationship that renders the Head and the members one. Moreover, while faith views this precious, glorious Christ in the dignity of His Godhead, in the perfection of His manhood, and in His official character, it goes on to gaze, saying, "Since mine eyes have seen — I may see much more," and examines minutely into the mystery of godliness. Again, it is not only the view which faith thus takes, but this view is by attraction. "I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto Me." And whenever faith is indulged with a vision of Christ so as to behold in Him all that the poor sinner needs for time and eternity, there is a drawing, a mighty attraction, a desire to come closer to Him, just as in nature, when we are attracted by an object at a distance which appears very beautiful, but scarcely discernible, we desire to approach nearer, and the more clearly we see the object, and the more beautiful it appears, the more vigilantly we draw near to have clearer and clearer views of it. Pass on to mark that the teachings of the Holy Ghost are essential to this. Hence our beloved Lord said, "The Spirit of truth shall take of Mine, and shall show it unto you;" and "He shall testify of Me."

III. The effects which follow. I am sure that every poor sinner who gets a glimpse of Christ will wonder; wonder at the provision and gift of such a Saviour; wonder at the very name He bears; for His name is "Wonderful." Mark also, that when this sight of Christ is realized, objects terrene are thrown quite into the shade, trampled upon and entirely lost sight of. One thought more, and I will draw to a close. When all objects beside are thrown into the shade, and everything terrene is lost sight of for the time being; when faith has full scope, it seems as if they were all for awhile removed, and our heavenly felicity begun upon earth.

(J. Irons.)

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KJV: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

WEB: "Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;