Ch. nr. SOUTH ^vmerica. 39 



the pillars, v/alls and exiling, to the lower part of the 

 church, it is equally dazzled with glittering objecfls, 

 prefenting themfelves on all fides among which are 

 candlefticks of maflive filver, fix or feven feet high, 

 placed in two rows along the nave of the church em^ 

 bolTcd tables of the fame metal, fupporting fmaller 

 candiefticks ; and in the intervals betwixt them pede- 

 ftals on which ftand the ftatues of angels. In fine, the 

 ■whole church is covered with plate, or fomething equal 

 to it in value ; fo that divine fervice, in thefe churches, 

 is performed with a magnificence fcarce to be ima- 

 gined ; and the ornaments, even on common days, with 

 regard to their quantity, and richnefs, exceed thofe 

 which many cities of Europe pride themfelves with 

 difplaying on the moft common occafions. 



If fuch immenfe riches are bellowed on the bbdy 

 of the church, how can imagination itfelf form an 

 idea of thofe more immediately ufed in divine wor- 

 (hip, fuch as the facred veiTels, the chalices, often- 

 foriums, &c. in the richnefs of which there is a fort 

 ef emulation between the fcveral churches. In thefe 

 the gold is covered with diamonds, pearls, and pre- 

 cious flones, fo as to dazzle the eye of the fpedlator. 

 The gold and filver fluff for veftments and other de- 

 corations, are always of the richeft and moft valuable 

 among thofe brought over by the regifter fhips. In 

 fine, whatever is employed in ornamenting the churches, 

 is always the richeft of the kind pofTible to be pro- 

 cured. 



The principal convents are very large, with con- 

 venient and airy apartments. Some parts of them, as 

 the outward v/ails which inclofe them, are of un- 

 burnt bricks ^ but the building itfelf of quinchas or 

 baxareques. The roofs of many are arched with brick, 

 others only v/ith quinchas ; but of fuch curious archi- 

 tedlure as entirely to conceal the materials ; fo that 

 the frontifpieces, and principal gates have a majeftic 

 appearance. The columns, friezes, ftiitues and cornices 



P 4 ' are 



