 In order to end the conflict, the monks decided to provide the General a key to the church, in order that he may have access, at his leisure, to the ""divine offices"" of the Misericórdia.Shortly thereafter, a new administrative body rescinded this privilege and confiscated the key, owing to issues of security.In 1749, the exterior, including the courtyard and benches were remodelled by master mason João do Cano, for 68$500 réis, a price that he reduced three times; the cost of the project diminished so greatly, that by the end of the commission, the mason petitioned the administrative council to raise his stipend, in order to cover his personal costs.