Epistles of Ignatius

Regarding the young men we have mentioned, do not, blessed one, have any worries. I want you to know that they are wise about the flesh and are not swayed by its passions, shining with the dignity of old age due to their own intrinsic merits, even though they have only recently been called as young men to the priesthood. Now, engage your thoughts through the Spirit God has given you by Christ, and you will remember that Samuel, even as a little child, was called a seer and counted among the prophets. He reproved the elder Eli for his transgression because Eli had honored his wayward sons above God, the author of all things, allowing them to go unpunished when they mocked the office of the priesthood and acted violently toward your people.