Just after the annual meeting we learned that the health of Mrs. Snelson was in such condition as to make her speedy return from the Mendi Mission, West Africa, a probable necessity. Her husband has arrived with herself, their children, and those of Dr. James, whose wife had died abroad. The change of climate and of occupation has already proved of great benefit to her. It is a great disappointment to us all to lose so soon the earnest and discreet service of the head of our Mendi Mission. Whether he will be able to return or not is still an unsettled question. But these experiences are teaching us some valuable lessons. First of them is this,—that we must send no men or women to the West Coast of Africa without submitting them to a severe physical examination, such as is required for enlistment into the army or as a prerequisite to a life insurance policy. For we find that upon those who went from this country in thoroughly sound health, with no weakness from previous disease or tendency to special complaints, the climate has had little or no bad effect; but where there was any such predisposition or impairment of physical vigor, the malarial heats of the West coast have hastened its rapid development. We send no more recruits, then, without medical attestation to their soundness of body, in addition to the testimony we have heretofore required as to their intellectual and spiritual health. Mr. Snelson brings much valuable information from the field, which we hope to lay before our readers at an early day. * * * * * NEWS AND ITEMS FROM THE CHURCHES. MACON, GA.—Rev. Stanley E. Lathrop, who was graduated eight years ago from the Chicago Theological Seminary, commenced pastoral work at Macon, December 1st. He writes: “I am quite agreeably surprised with everything thus far. I shall do the best I can for this people, with God’s help.” MARIETTA, GA.—The school prospers, and, with two other schools, is exerting a marked influence on the people. The Sunday-school and literary society are both doing good work. MARION, ALA.—Rev. Geo. E. Hill writes: “Our church has received from the Sunday-school at Weymouth, Mass., Colton’s large missionary map, and I have had the pleasure of introducing my people to a view of the world—the field of missions. They propose to contribute monthly to the cause. Our Sunday-school is filling up.” MONTGOMERY, ALA.—Rev. Flavel Bascom, D.D., who commenced work for the winter December 1st, writes: “My first impressions are very favorable. My heart is drawn out toward the people, and I expect to enjoy my work for them very much.” SELMA, ALA.—Rev. C. B. Curtis has gone from Burlington, Wis., to the charge of the church here.