{37} The revenue of the Church is derived from the tithes. One-tenth of a member's interest or increase each year is tithing. It is a free-will offering, not a tax. Temples, church buildings, etc., are erected and maintained from the tithing, and large amounts are expended for the support of the poor and the benefit of new settlements. On the first Sunday of every month a fast is held, and the amount saved from fasting is donated to the poor. The Bishops have charge of those in need and are required to see that none are left to want. AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. The Relief Societies, composed of ladies, are organized auxiliary bodies who also minister to the poor, aged and afflicted, and help prepare the dead for burial. They hold meetings of their own for instruction in women's work and intellectual, moral and spiritual advancement. The younger women and also the younger men are organized into Mutual Improvement associations, which they, separately, conduct themselves, but sometimes assemble in joint session. The Primary associations are organizations of children under older supervision, for training in Gospel principles and moral conduct. There are Sunday schools in all the wards and Stakes of Zion, connected with the Sunday School Union, and all thoroughly organized and ably conducted. Religion classes are organized in the different wards for the purpose of giving systematic training in the principles and doctrines of religion to little children, thus supplying the kind of tuition which cannot be given in the public schools, from which all religious teachings are entirely excluded. Amusements are provided for the members of the Church under direction of committees appointed by Church or ward authority. Music is of universal use, both vocal and instrumental, and is cultivated assiduously. Education is an essential feature in the Church system, and academies and colleges are maintained according to the funds available. All truth is recognized as Divine and an accepted motto is: "The glory of God is intelligence." The public school system is separate and apart from the Church schools, and is entirely under the direction of the State, no doctrinal or denominational teaching being permitted therein. It is supported by taxation. {38} DIVINE AUTHORITY. The great distinctive feature of "Mormonism" among the "Christian" denominations is its claim of direct divine origin. Present and continuous revelation from God to the Church through its earthly head, and to every member who seeks for it in his or her own behalf and guidance, is a fundamental principle of the "Mormon" faith. Divine authority is associated with it. The Church is, literally, Christ's Church, because He established it by personal communication and guides it by present revelation and inspiration, and its ministers receive their commissions by His direction. The Holy Ghost is in and with the Church, exactly as with the primitive Church and the Prophets of old.