A Short Narrative of the Proceedings Against the Bp. of St. a

A Short Narrative Of The PROCEEDINGS Upon The Complaint and Articles Lately Exhibited against the Bp. of St. A. This 1702 pamphlet collects the clergy's complaint against the Bishop of St. Asaph, detailing alleged corruption, simony, and misgovernment in the diocese, including the handling of livings, appointments, and finances. The text presents four general heads of accusation: indications of corruption and attempts at simony; actual simoniacal practices; oppression of the clergy; and various misgovernments. It cites depositions from numerous clerks and witnesses, recounting bribes, bonds, and manipulations in the grant or sale of benefices, and the use of incomes from vacant livings for private ends. The narrative includes the bishop’s defense, a metropolitan investigation, and concludes with the Bishop’s confession and an appendix containing the Metropolitical visitation and further documents. This work documents an era of ecclesiastical politics and contest over church governance in early 18th-century Britain.