It must increase
It is plain that this divine temper is not only to remain, but to increase in us day by day. Occasions of exercising it, and so of increasing it, will never be wanting while we remain on earth. We need patience, so that after we have done and suffered the will of God, we may receive the promise. We need resignation, so that we may in all circumstances say, Not as I will, but as you will (Matthew 26:39). And we need gentleness toward all people, but especially toward the evil and the unthankful. Otherwise we shall be overcome by evil, instead of overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21).
1771 text
6. ’Tis evident, this divine temper, is not only to abide, but to increase in us day by day. Occasions of exercising, and thereby increasing it, will never be wanting while we remain upon earth. We have need of patience, that after we have done and suffered the will of God, we may receive the promise. We have need of resignation, that we may in all circumstances say, Not as I will, but as thou wilt. And we have need of gentleness toward all men; but especially toward the evil and unthankful: otherwise we shall be overcome of evil, instead of overcoming evil with good.