Te decet laus, te decet imperium,
tibi virtus et gloria in saecula saeculorum, Amen.]
Can this by any the most subtle refinement be understood to be a mere
request to her to pray for us?
The Athanasian Creed is employed in the same manner; and it is very
remarkable that the Assumption itself of the Virgin into heaven is there
specified as one of the points to be believed on pain of losing all
hopes of salvation.
"Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold
firm the faith concerning the Virgin Mary: which except a man keep whole
and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly....
[Quicunque vult salvus esse, ante omnia opus est ut teneat de Maria
firmam fidem.]
"Whom at length He took up (assumpsit) unto heaven, and she sitteth at
the right hand of her Son, not ceasing to pray to her Son for us. [Quam
demum ipse in coelum assumpsit, et sedit ad dexteram Filii, non cessans
pro nobis Filium exorare.]
"This is the faith concerning Mary the Virgin, which except every one
believe faithfully and firmly he cannot be saved." [Haec est fides de
Maria Virgine: quam nisi quisque fideliter firmiterque crediderit,
salvus esse non poterit.]
In the Litany addressed to her, these sentences are found.
"Holy Mary, whom all things praise and venerate, pray for us,--be
propitious,--spare us, O Lady.
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