From the very beginning of the schools in Philadelphia their primary means of support lay in _voluntary subscriptions_. We have already seen that this was the accepted means of raising money to maintain the poor and orphans,[220] and also to build their meeting houses; it was quite the natural way, really about the only way then familiar to them for maintaining their school system. As the meeting grew and the schools also increased many members were led to believe that it was advisable to endow them with _legacies_. This being in accordance with the recommendations of the Yearly Meetings of London and Philadelphia,[221] it became quite a common procedure in Philadelphia, as also in the other monthly meetings. Their third means of support was the _rate_ which was paid by all children whose parents were able to bear the expense of their education. [Sidenote: Subscriptions urged, but not compulsory] [Sidenote: Subscription method not entirely satisfactory] As has been stated, subscriptions were made voluntarily, though they might be rigorously solicited, enough at least to make some feel uncomfortable who did not contribute when they were able. There are instances which might be considered as mandatory though such cases are very rare. One such occurred in 1701 when, Tobias Dinnock desiring a certificate, the meeting reported there was nothing to hinder it save that he had not paid anything toward the school.[222] This does not mean that he had to subscribe but it was doubtless unpleasant pressure to have brought to bear on one. Subscriptions were usually made and paid at the subscriber’s convenience, or on a date which he designated when making the subscription. Though this was ideally satisfactory it often failed to work out just at the right time, so it was necessary to appoint a committee to go out after the subscriber and get that which he had promised to pay. The first record of a committee appointed on a service of this kind was in 1691. The work of such committees was continued throughout the century, and the following extract will indicate very well their function, without further explanation or reference. Whereas several of the subscriptions towards the school are unpaid, the Meeting being engaged for the same, they have requested Alexander Beardsley, Anthony Morris, Francis Rawles, John Delavall and Samuel Richardson to use their endeavors to get what is unpaid of the said subscriptions, and they are desired to pay what money they receive unto Robert Turner and give account thereof to the next Monthly Meeting.[223] [Sidenote: Rates charged]