Rev. J.E.  Rankin, D.D., of Washington, D.C.  Before them he laid his plans, matured and ready for their acceptance:  to publish good, strong, attractive literature for the Sunday School, the home, the town, and school library, and that nothing should be published save of that character, asking their co-operation as readers of the several manuscripts to be presented for acceptance.  The gentlemen, one and all, gave him their heartiest God-speed, but they frankly confessed it a most difficult undertaking, and that the step must be taken with the strong chance of failure.  Mr. Lothrop had counted that chance and reaffirmed his purpose to become a publisher of just such literature, and imparted to them so much of his own courage that before they left the room, all stood engaged as salaried readers of the manuscripts to come in to the new publishing house of D. Lothrop & Co., and during all these years no manuscripts have been accepted without the sanction of one or more of these readers.

The store, Nos. 38 and 40 Cornhill, Boston, was taken, and a complete refitting and stocking made it one of the finest bookstores of the city.  The first book published was ’Andy Luttrell.’  How many recall that first book!  ‘Andy Luttrell’ was a great success, the press saying that ’the series of which this is the initiatory volume, marks a new era in Sunday School literature.’  Large editions were called for, and it is popular still.  In beginning any new business there are many difficulties to face, old established houses to compete with, and new ones to contest every inch of success.  But tides turn, and patience and pluck won the day, until from being steady, sure and reliable, Mr. Lothrop’s publishing business was increasing with such rapidity as to soon make it one of the solid houses of Boston.  Mr. Lothrop had a remarkable instinct as regarded the discovering of new talent, and many now famous writers owe their popularity with the public to his kindness and courage in standing by them.  He had great enthusiasm and success in introducing this new element, encouraging young writers, and creating a fresh atmosphere very stimulating and enjoyable to their audience.  To all who applied for work or brought manuscript for examination, he had a hopeful word, and in rapid, clear expression smoothed the difficulty out of their path if possible, or pointed to future success as the result of patient toil.  He always brought out the best that was in a person, having the rare quality of the union of perfect honesty with kind consideration.  This new blood in the old veins of literary life, soon wrought a marvelous change in this class of literature.  Mr. Lothrop had been wise enough to see that such would be the case, and he kept constantly on the lookout for all means that might foster ambition and bring to the surface latent talent.  For this purpose he offered prizes of $1,000 and $500 for the best manuscripts on certain subjects.  Such a thing had scarcely