For he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil.
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Tertullian of Carthage
AD 220
Who would not prefer the justice of the world, which, as the apostle himself testifies, "beareth not the sword in vain"