It is right, then, that we should be really Christians, and not merely have the name; even as there are some who recognize the bishop in their words, but disregard him in all their actions. Such men seem to me not to act in good faith, since they do not hold valid meetings according to the commandments.
The Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians
Chapter 4
1 section
Ignatius of Antioch
Transcribed from a dated scan; artifacts may remain. Edition notes
Trans. Kirsopp Lake, The Apostolic Fathers, Volume I (Loeb Classical Library), 1912. Public domain.