MR. CURNOCK'S EDITION OF WESLEY'S JOURNAL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1645, 11 January 1913, Page 9

MR. CURNOCK'S EDITION OF WESLEY'S JOURNAL.

REVIEW BY PROFESSOR LOOPS. To English' readers (says the "British Weekly") tho most interesting featuro of flio "Thcologischo Literaturzeitung" for November 23 is the article by-Professor Loofs, of Halle, on Wesley's Journal in the Standard Edition prepared by the licv. Kehemiah Curaock. Dr. Loofs says that this S;(andard Edition deserves, the attention of' all who arc interested in modern Church history arfd in tho records of the various denominations. Thh. learned professor, ,who is himself fully acquainted with the extensive Wesley literature, gives a clear, historical account of tho Diaries. After touching'on tho difficulties of Mr. Curnock's task, he says :— "We must admire tho energy, persovcrance,' arid patience of the editor." Dr. Loofs can appreciate tho astonishing skill and industry shown by Mr. Curnock, in his monumental work. He criticises some points of detail, complaining especially that the sections in the Diaries which.are parallel to tho Journal have' not been printed in full, and for the most part riot literally. Ho admits that worthless matter might have.crept in, but replies that even the most skilled expert cannot be certain that what looks like worthless matter to-day may hot'gain very much in value as now originaluiaterial is discovered aud as new questions arise. Dr. Loofs thinks that tho Diaricsof the time preceding tho American journey ought to have , been printed*. Tho review, however, taken as ■ a '-whole,' is very favourable to the book, and will help to introduce it in German circles. Tho critic recog'uiscs .that \tho. iwork was not intended for specialists, but for-' tho general' body of readers in the great •' Methodist .-•' Church. V Tho review oleses-ns follows:—"lf,'as wo.may hope, the appearance, of , this new edition of Wesley's Journal should bring to light further manuscript material, the Methodist Church will be able, both intellectually and financially, to give this great, a.nd, in, its way, excellent, edition ; of- Wesley's Journal-a yet greater and moro cxoullont successor." . •;' .'.'.■■