"For with this church, by reason of its pre-eminence, the whole Church, that is the faithful everywhere, must necessarily be in accord."
Saint Irenaios of Lyon, Against Heresies, 2nd Century
"Well if controversy arises about some minor matter, should we not have recourse to the most ancient Churches, the one who had contact with the apostles, in order to obtain a sure and accurate resolution of the disputed issue?"
Saint Irenaios of Lyon, refuting "scripture alone", Adversus Haereses