The Epistle to the Romans is utterly inconsistent with any conception on his part, that Rome
was the see and residence of a bishop holding any other than fraternal relations with himself. It
is very noteworthy that it is devoid of expressions, elsewhere made emphatic,' which would have
been much insisted upon had they been found herein. Think what use would have been made of
it, had the words which he addresses to the Smyrnseans (cap. viii.) to strengthen their fidelity to
Polycarp, been found in this letter to the Romans, especially as in this letter we first find the
use of the phrase " Catholic Church " in patristic writings. He defines it as to be found " where
Jesus Christ is," words which certainly do not limit it to communion with a professed successor of
St. Peter.