Before God and before Christ Jesus who is to be judge of the living and the dead, I put this duty to you, in the name of his Appearing and of his kingdom: proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it. Refute falsehood, correct error, call to obedience – but do all with patience and with the intention of teaching. The time is sure to come when, far from being content with sound teaching, people will be avid for the latest novelty and collect themselves a whole series of teachers according to their own tastes; and then, instead of listening to the truth, they will turn to myths. Be careful always to choose the right course; be brave under trials; make the preaching of the Good News your life’s work, in thoroughgoing service.

As for me, my life is already being poured away as a libation, and the time has come for me to be gone. I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his Appearing.

My lips will tell of your justice, O Lord.

My lips are filled with your praise,
  with your glory all the day long.
Do not reject me now that I am old;
  when my strength fails do not forsake me.

My lips will tell of your justice, O Lord.

But as for me, I will always hope 
  and praise you more and more.
My lips will tell of your justice 
  and day by day of your help
  (though I can never tell it all).

My lips will tell of your justice, O Lord.

I will declare the Lord’s mighty deeds
  proclaiming your justice, yours alone.
O God, you have taught me from my youth
  and I proclaim your wonders still.

My lips will tell of your justice, O Lord.

So I will give you thanks on the lyre 
  for your faithful love, my God.
To you will I sing with the harp, 
  to you, the Holy One of Israel.

My lips will tell of your justice, O Lord.

Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessed are those who, 
with a noble and generous heart,
take the word of God to themselves 
and yield a harvest through their perseverance.
Alleluia!