John Wesley’s third general rule for the early Methodist societies, which he gave them after observing that a number of their members had become lax, in their pursuit of holy living was: “ It is expected of all who desire to continue in these societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation…by attending upon all the ordinances of God; such are the public worship of God; the ministry of the Word, either read or expounded; the Supper of the Lord; family and private prayer; searching the Scriptures; and fasting or abstinence. ” By “ the ordinances of God ” Wesley means the means of grace, the ways that God shows his unmerited favor and goodwill toward us, and by which God quickens (invigorates), strengthens, and confirms faith in him. In his sermon, “ The Means of Grace ,” Wesley explains: “ The chief of these means are prayer, whether in secret or with the great congregation; searching the Scriptures (which implies reading, hearing, and meditating thereon) and