For their learning, be liberal. Spare no cost, for by such parsimony all is lost that is saved; but let it be useful knowledge such as is consistent with truth and godliness, not cherishing a vain conversation or idle mind; but ingenuity mixed with industry is good for the body and the mind too. I recommend the useful parts of mathematics, as building houses, or ships, measuring, surveying, dialing, navigation; but agriculture especially is my eye. Let my children be husbandmen and housewives; it is industrious, healthy, honest and of good example, ...[80] [Sidenote: Private tutors desired] His preference, as might be expected from an Englishman of that time, was for a tutorial system of education. His reasons therefore seem to have been based chiefly on moral grounds. Rather have an ingenious person in the house to teach them, than send them to schools; too many evil impressions being received there.[81] The above quotation alone would seem to be adequate proof that Penn did not oppose education, but urged it for others and in his own family. But still more convincing and irrefutable evidence is found in the preamble to this school charter, whence an extract is taken. [Sidenote: Public education essential for the welfare of a people] Whereas, the prosperity and welfare of any people depend in great measure upon the good education of youth, and their early instruction in the principles of true religion and virtue, and qualifying them to serve their country and themselves, by breeding them in writing and reading and learning of languages, and useful arts and sciences, suitable to their sex, age and degree; which cannot be effected in any manner or so well as by erecting public schools for the purposes aforesaid, therefore....[82] [Sidenote: His ideals expressed in action] [Sidenote: Yearly meeting recommend French, High and Low Dutch, Danish, etc.]