That was a very primitive manner of illumination used by our forefathers.
"Mary, did you notice the gayly-decorated, old-fashioned coffee pot and tea caddy in the corner cupboard?
They belonged to my grandmother; also that old-fashioned fluid lamp, used before coal-oil or kerosene came into use; and that old, perforated tin lantern also is very ancient.
"Mary, have you ever read the poem, The Potter and the Clay ?' No?
Then read it to me, dear, I like it well; 'tis a particular favorite of mine, I do not remember by whom it was written." THE POTTER AND THE CLAY.
(Jeremiah xviii 2-6.) The potter wrought a work in clay, upon his wheel; He moulded it and fashioned it, and made it feel, In every part, his forming hand, his magic skill, Until it grew in beauty fair beneath his will.
When lo! through some defect, 'twas marred and broken lay, Its fair proportions spoiled, and it but crumbling clay; Oh, wondrous patience, care and love, what did he do?
He stooped and gathered up the parts and formed anew.
He might have chosen then a lump of other clay On which to show his skill and care another day, But no; he formed it o'er again, as seemed him good; And who has yet his purpose scanned, his will withstood?
Learn thou from this a parable of God's great grace Toward the house of Israel, His chosen race; He formed them for His praise; they fell and grieved Him sore, But He will yet restore and bless them evermore.
And what He'll do for Israel, He'll do for thee; Oh soul, so marred and spoiled by sin, thou yet shall see That He has power to restore, He will receive, And thou shall know His saving grace, only believe.
Despair not, He will form anew thy scattered life, And gather up the broken parts, make peace from strife; Only submit thou to His will of perfect love, And thou shall see His fair design in Heaven above..