Ignatius of Antioch (c. 107 AD)

Bishop, martyr, student of the apostle John. Writing on his way to martyrdom in Rome.
On the Eucharist: Real Presence, not symbolism

>“Take note of those who hold heterodox opinions on the grace of Jesus Christ which has come to us...
>They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ...”
— Letter to the Smyrnaeans, 6:2–7:1

Anti-Protestant because: No symbolic “memorial”—this is straight-up belief in the real, physical presence of Christ in the Eucharist, ~70 years after Jesus.

On Bishops and Hierarchy

>“Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop...
>Wherever the bishop appears, there let the people be; as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.”
— Letter to the Smyrnaeans, 8:1–2

Anti-Protestant because: No congregationalism or local independence. The bishop is the visible center of the Church’s unity.

Clement of Rome (c. 95 AD)

Ordained by Peter. Writing to the Corinthians to rebuke them for overthrowing their church leaders.
On Apostolic Succession

>“The apostles... appointed the firstfruits [of their converts] to be bishops and deacons...
>And they gave them further instruction, that when these should fall asleep, other approved men should succeed them in their ministry.”
— 1 Clement, 42–44

Anti-Protestant because: Clear defense of apostolic succession and non-democratic church leadership. No "pastor hired by a vote."