I was announced to give a lecture, I forget on what subject, but I know that I was going to illustrate it with dissolving views, and that I had the fine lantern belonging to the Band of Hope Union. I went very early to the under-ground kitchen of the Institute to make the gas, but I got altogether confused. The retorts became red-hot, and it's a wonder there wasn't an explosion. I managed to get the retorts from the fire, but I was in a bath of perspiration, and greatly upset, for I knew there could be no exhibition of views, and I could hear the crowd of people assembling in the hall above. I was obliged to tell the Committee that nothing could be done; but they kindly suggested that I should give a lecture. I did so, and a large number remained to hear it notwithstanding the disappointment about the lantern views; and I was greatly encouraged and cheered by a gentleman coming to the edge of the platform, at the close of the meeting and saying: ‘never mind, young friend, about the views, there were plenty of pictures out of your own mouth, and as long as you can speak like that you can do without a lantern’.