Irenaeus Against Heresies Book V And again, in reference to them he says, "For he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, the avenger for wrath to him who does evil."[210] Tertullian A Treatise on the Soul Who would not prefer the justice of the world, which, as the apostle himself testifies, "beareth not the sword in vain,"[235]