JBENEVOLENT ESTABLISHMENTS. 



their manners and habits, and thus free society from the mo- 

 tives 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 

 Odlober 1687. Partly at his own expence, and partly by 

 the alms he colle6ted, 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 colle6l them, until at length it was found 

 impossible to administer to the calls of so large an establish- 

 ment. 



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 appur- 

 tenances, 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 diredlress now governed those who 

 were under her care according to the rules of piety and ho- 

 nour. 



