Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/224

196 their manners and habits, and thus free society from the motives of prostitution and criminal disorders. Both the classes of females were supported by the zeal and assiduity of their chaplain, Don Nicholas De La Cruz, notwithstanding the principal part of the building in which they resided had been destroyed by the memorable earthquake of the 20th of 0ctober 1687. Partly at his own expence, and partly by the alms he collected, the repairs were completed in two years. At the time of his death, the number of repentant females and young girls for education amounted to two hundred; and the recluses, or abandoned women, were nearly tantamount. The alms and donations, however, gradually fell off, through the want of persons to collect them, until at length it was found impossible to administer to the calls of so large an establishment.

It was in a manner annihilated in 1708, by the cupidity of certain individuals of Lima, interested in promoting the views of a community of nuns, whose convent had been destroyed by the earthquake above-mentioned. They had the address to bring the viceroy, the marquis of Casteldosrius, over to their side; and, in consequence, the house, together with the church belonging to it, the goods, chattels, and other appurtenances, were adjudged to the foundation of the convent. The unfortunate protegees of la Concepcion were dispersed, and were not united until 1720, when Philip V. granted them an asylum in a building which was, however, but ill calculated for their reception, and so small, that the recluses, who formed a very interesting part of the establishment, could not be received. The directress now governed those who were under her care according to the rules of piety and nour,