Disputation — Bontempi, Palladium Theologicum V · from Schola Thomistica
Disputation VI: On Adjuration
WHEN we acknowledge our insufficiency to induce others to do or produce something grave, we are accustomed to mix something Divine into our prayers or precepts, whose reverence may move men's minds more readily, since obedience toward things above is naturally implanted in them and comes easily; hence arose the usage of adjuring, of which you have not a few examples in the sacred letters, as will appear from what is to be said.
De Adiuratione.
CUM insufficientiam nostram agnoscimus ad inducendos alios, ut grave aliquid agant, vel proferant, solemus nonnihil Divinum precibus, vel praeceptis admiscere, cuius reverentia expeditius hominum mentes moveat, cum illis a natura inditum sit proclive in res superas obsequium; hinc ortus est adiurandi usus, cuius non pauca habes in sacris litteris exempla; ut ex dicendis patebit.