superior and by some good women of this town, who with holy zeal and
in the desire of serving God in retreat and solitude, have entered
there. Their sincerity and integrity of life was proved before their
entering the convent, which is thereby greatly benefited. By the good
example of these women, and the influence of their virtue, retirement,
and modesty, I have no doubt that the girls who are now there, and
those who shall enter hereafter, will be greatly benefited and improved
in the service of God. The advantage of such good surroundings must aid
in their improvement and help them in marriage, thus accomplishing the
end for which the holy zeal of your Majesty was striving in founding
this work so pleasing to God. In this connection it should be said,
that since this establishment is so meritorious and necessary in
this commonwealth, which is young and poor, and greatly in need of
a general fund for the public honor and welfare, its maintenance and
perpetuity should be assured. The establishment entails little expense,
and the work has been carried on according to your Majesty's orders,
without burdening the royal exchequer; and hence the gain has been
great. The opportunity is no less favorable which is now offered your
Majesty to employ your liberal and royal hand in favoring and aiding
this seminary with an income. Thus by its increase will God our Lord,
be glorified, by the exercise of charity. Daily prayers are held
there for your Majesty, that God may grant you many happy years of
this life, and life everlasting. There are now about thirty persons
in the seminary, and others are entering every day.

Another holy work has, by the favor of the Lord, been established
in this town in these days; and I hope that His Divine Majesty is no
less pleased by it, than by that which I have just described. It is
very similar to that and is a confraternity of mercy in which there
have entered as brethren the most illustrious and prominent persons