And again in the year following we find the following advice:
1691
We are glad to hear that care is taken in some places, according to former advices, for the providing of schoolmasters and mistresses who are faithful Friends to instruct Friends’ children in such method as Truth allows. And we desire that Friends may go on in the care to provide such education and schools, for the advantage of their children and posterity.[59]
More specific instructions follow in 1695.
1695
And it is desired ... to take special care for the good education and order of Friends’ children in God’s holy fear, ... and also to see that schools and schoolmasters who are faithful Friends, and well qualified, be placed and encouraged in all counties, cities and great towns, or places where they may be needed; and that such schoolmasters, as much as may be, sometimes correspond with one another for their help and improvement in such good and easy methods as are agreeable to the Truth and the children’s advantage and benefit; and that care be taken that poor Friends’ children may freely partake of such education, in order to apprenticeship.[60]
At a much later date, 1745, very similar instructions are found among those issued.
and 1745
And, dear Friends, though frequently and repeated advices have been given from this meeting, respective of the education of our youth in sobriety, godliness and Christian virtues; yet, this being a matter of very great moment for the welfare of the present and future generations, we think it our incumbent duty again to recommend an especial care therein.... We also recommend to schoolmasters and mistresses, to educate the children committed to their charge, in the frequent reading of those sacred writings and such other good books as tend to their instruction in true Christianity; whereby their minds are in danger of being corrupted and led aside from the way of truth and holiness.[61]