¶ To all the most Illustrious Archbishops and Reverend Bishops of Ireland, but more particularly to those of the Province of Dublin their Honourable Lords, David Bishop of Osory, john of Fernes, Ross of Kildare, and Matthew Vicar Apostolical of Laghlein.  
1. MOst Illustrious Lords and Reverend Bishops, the Priests of Dublin make their complaint before you, That the most Illustrious Archbishop of Dublin, Thomas Fleming, of the Order of S. Francis, without alleging any cause against them, only for his will, and at his pleasure useth to exile and banish Priests out of his Diocese. And they protest that in so doing he exerciseth a tyranny over the Clergy, contrary unto the Canons of Holy Church, and the Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom.  
2. Most Illustrious Lords and Reverend Fathers in Christ, the aforesaid Priests do make their complaint, that the same most Illustrious Archbishop of Dublin, Thomas Fleming, of the Order of S. Francis, though humbly sought unto, and desired, doth refuse to do them justice in their causes, neither yet will he permit the Clergy to follow their actions merely civil before the Magistrate, contrary unto the received custom of this Kingdom, from the first conversion of the Nation. And they protest that in so doing, he exerciseth a tyranny over the Clergy, contrary unto the Canons of the Church, and the Laws and statutes of this Kingdom.  
3. Most Illustrious Lords, and R. Fathers in Christ, the aforesaid Priests do make their complaint, Tbat the same most Illustrious Archbishop, Thomas Fleming, of the Order of S. Francis, in inflicting his Ecclesiastical censures, observeth no Canonical proceeding at all, omitting not only the solemnities of the Law, but those things also that are necessary and essential in all proceedings thereof, namely citations, and proof of causes. And they protest that in so doing, he exerciseth a tyranny over the Clergy, contrary unto the Canons of holy Church, and the Laws and statutes of this Kingdom.  
4. Most Illustrious Lords, and R. Fathers in Christ, the aforesaid Priests do complain, that the same most Illustrious Archbishop, Thomas Fleming, of the Order of S. Francis, refused to hear all proofs against the Regulars in the matter of the eleven propositions condemned at Paris, which testimonies or proofs two venerable Priests presented unto him the 15. day of November, in the year of our Lord 1631. in Dublin. And moreover the aforesaid Priests do profess, that the same Illustrious Archbishop is a favourer and a Patron of certain new, & never heard of Heresies, published by the Friars of his Order, and others: of the which Heresies, or rather Blasphemies, being advertised by a petition, he utterly refused to hear the Accusers and Witnesses. And they protest that in so doing he exerciseth a tyranny in the Church of God, contrary unto the Canons of holy Church, and the Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom.  
5. Most Illustrious Lords and Rev. Fathers in Christ, the aforesaid Priests do complain, that the same most Illustrious Archbishop Thomas Fleming, of the Order of S. Francis, did not suppress, extinguish or corrupt (according as the Canons of the Church and the Laws of Princes do command) a certain infamous Libel, made, printed and published under the false and feigned name of Edmund Utsulan, against the good name, fame and reputation of certain venerable Priests of the Clergy, who in the same aforesaid Libel are expressly and by name mentioned: but on the contrary the aforesaid Archbishop reads, commends, publisheth, and defends the same, to their irreparable dishonour and infamy, by whose example also others especially of the Regulars of this Kingdom are incited, provoked, and animated to do the like. And they protest that in so doing, he exerciseth a tyranny over the Clergy, contrary to the Canons of holy Church, and the Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom.  
6. Most Illustrious Lords and Reverend Fathers in Christ, the aforesaid Priests do complain, that the same most Illustrious Archbishop of Dublin, Thomas Fleming, of the Order of S. Francis, being given to understand by way of petition, in the behalf of the Clergy of Dublin, That a certain Parish Priest by name Patrick Brangan, with his assistant james Quin, but a few months ago, through extreme negligence had lost the blessed Sacrament consecrated in many hosts, and that without hope of recovery. Our aforesaid Archbishop making small or no account of so great a sacrilege, permit notwithstanding the aforesaid Priests, whereof the one is most unlearned, the other Lunatic, to execute all Ecclesiastical functions, by whose ministry he daily exposeth the Sacraments of the Church to profanation, and abuse. And in so doing they protest that he offends against the divine Majesty, and the sacred Canons of the Church. They profess also that in these aforesaid excesses he hath the Regulars his Counselors, aiders and abettors, especially one john Preston, a Friar of his Order, a most seditious and a turbulent fellow, to the ruin of the Clergy, and disturbance of the Christian Commonwealth.  
7. Most Illustrious Lords, and R. Fathers in Christ, the aforesaid Priests do complain, that the same most Illustrious Archbishop of Dublin, Tho. Fleming, of the Order of S. Francis, doth make Parish Priests, young men, unlearned, and unbred. Others famous for their learning, gravity and virtue being neglected. And more it is to be lamented for, that such are the times & state of things, as if we had Augustine's, Ambrosies, and Hieromes, it were meet to prefer them unto the pastoral office (others omitted.) But what may we expect of this our Prelate? who hath ordinarily in his mouth: To what end should Parish Priests be learned? or preachers? forasmuch as these matters belong unto Regulars. Moreover the aforesaid Priests do complain, that the most Illustrious Archbishop Thomas Fleming, of the Order of S. Francis, at the coming unto his Prelature, found within the walls of Dublin five Parish Priests, men of learning, ripe years, and uncorrupt conversation, in place of whom, either taken away by death or exile, he hath placed only two, & such as we are not willing to speak of what condition: so as it seems he desireth nothing more, then by this oppression and extirpation of the Clergy, a more easy and compendious way may be made unto those armies of Monks, and begging Friars, who in this Kingdom (observing no Regular discipline) do labour to create a Monarchy unto themselves, as already they have done under this Bishop, to the destruction of the Church, the impoverishing of the Inhabitants, and no small detriment to the Commonwealth. And they protest that in so doing, he exerciseth a tyranny over the Clergy, contrary unto the Canons of holy Church, and the Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom.  
8. Most Illustrious Lords and R. Fathers in Christ, The aforesaid Priests do complain, That the Illustrious Archbishop of Dublin Thomas Fleming, of the Order of S. Francis, is accustomed to answer the Clergy complaining of their grievances unto him: If I do you wrong, you may go to Rome to complain. In the mean time reporting himself to be so powerful in the Court of Rome, that he fears no Adversary. And of this that R. Priest Fa. Patrick Cahil, Doctor of Divinity had experience, who for a year treating of his injuries and grievances done unto him by the Archbishop of Dublin, could by no means prevail once to be admitted unto the presence and audience of the most eminent Cardinal Ludovisius, Vicechancellor of Rome: which Cardinal notwithstanding is given by his Holiness unto the Irish as the only Patron and Protector of the Irish Nation. These things we may remember with grief, but amend them we cannot. But we profess before Almighty God, his Holiness, and all faithful people, that this is nothing else but to tyrannize over the Clergy, to the dishonour of the Church, and no smaell contempt of the See Apostolic.  
For which and other causes beside to be alleged, and in their due time and place to be proved against the abovenamed Archbishop Tho. Fleming, of the Order of S. Francis, we the aforesaid Priests, and hereafter to be named, do set before your eyes most Illustrious and Reverend Lords these our grievances, as meet & honourable witnesses of this our deed, writing, and public instrument, and as far as is possible and lawful for us by the Canons of holy Church, declining the jurisdiction of our aforesaid Ordinary by this our present writing: and from this time forth we appeal unto the See Apostolic, from all Ecclesiastical censures hereafter to be inflicted upon us by the same Illustrious Archbishop Tho. Fleming, of the order of S. Francis. And in the mean time providing for our innocence and safety (to the example of S. Paul, and S. Athanasius) we do invocate the aid of the Secular arm for our present remedy, against the aforesaid Illustrious Archbishop Tho. Fleming, of the Order of S. Francis, and all Regulars of what order soever, as well Monks as begging Friars, abbettors, Counsellors and participants with him in the premises, as violatours and contemners of all Laws divine and humane, and men by the law excommunicate. Humbly beseeching your Lordships in the bowels of the Crucified, that you would be pleased to intimate with as much speed as may be, this our protestation and appeal unto the See Apostolic. And the God of peace and love long preserve your R. Lordships in safety.  
Dated at Dublin, May 3. in the year of our Lord, 1632. 

Peter caddel Doctor of Divinity.  
Paul Harris Pr. Deacon of the University of Dublin.     

Printed at Rouen at the sign of the three Lilies, with Edmund Fitzours.