Directions Given To The Band Societies (1744)

by John Wesley 

You are supposed to have the faith that “overcometh the world.” To you, therefore, it is not grievous, – 

I. Carefully to abstain from doing evil; in particular, – 

            1. Neither to buy or sell anything at all on the Lord’s day. 

            2. To taste no spiritous liquor, no dram of any kind, unless prescribed by a physician. 

            3. To be at a word both in buying and selling. 

            4. To pawn nothing, no, not to save life. 

            5. Not to mention the fault of any behind his back; and to stop those short that do. 

            6. To wear no needless ornaments, such as rings, ear-rings, necklaces, ruffles. 

            7. To use no needless self-indulgence, such as taking snuff or tobacco, unless prescribed by a physician. 

II. Zealously to maintain good works; in particular, – 

            1. To give alms of such things as you possess, and that to the uttermost of your power. 

            2. To reprove all that sin in your sight, and that in love and meekness of wisdom. 

            3. To be patterns of diligence and frugality, of self-denial, and taking up the cross daily. 

III. Constantly to attend on all the ordinances of God; in particular, – 

            1. To be at church and the Lord’s table every week, and at every public meeting of the bands. 

            2. To attend the ministry of the Word every morning, unless distance, business, or sickness prevent. 

            3. To use private prayer every day; and family prayer, if you are at the head of a family. 

            4. To read the Scriptures and meditate therein, at every vacant hour. And, – 

            5. To observe as days of fasting, or abstinence, all Fridays in the year.