friendly to Presbyterianism and was devoutly religious. Whether Sir Patrick was ever converted to her belief is not known, but at least he seems to have been a devoted husband. Upon her untimely death, he had a beautiful monument erected to her memory in the family aisle of the Houston Parish church. The conflict in the time of Sir Patrick IV arose from the effort of Charles II to force Episcopacy upon the Scottish Presbyterians.

John Knox was the founder of Presbyterianism in Scotland. His great influence on the Houstons of Scotland, of Ulster and early America can hardly be over-emphasized. So powerful was his effect that his life and teachings of morality, courage and sense of honor have made its strong imprint on the Houston character down to this day.

Writing of Knox, Thomas Carlyle said: "He is an instance to us how a man by sincerity itself, becomes heroic. We find in Knox a good, honest, intellectual talent, no transcendent one; he is a narrow, inconsiderable man as compared with Luther; but in heartfelt, instinctive adherence to truth, in real sincerity, he had no superior."

With the coming of Presbyterianism in Scotland, the calling of the ministry was less comfortable but more challenging than under the Catholic regime. By 1560, the Houstons in general had espoused the Presbyterian movement and responded to the teaching of John Knox and others with great fervor. It was the ambition of every Presbyterian family to furnish at least one son for the ministry.

Courageous preachers suffered harsh persecution at various times. One of these periods was in the reign of Charles II, who proclaimed the Episcopal Church the only legal form of worship in Scotland as well as in England and Ireland. Several ministers suffered death for resisting this law. Among the martyrs was James Houston of the Parish of Balmaghie in southwest Scotland. He was executed for resisting efforts to force Episcopacy on him and his congregation.

The fundamental belief of the Presbyterians in language of the layman was that the Bible is the sole rule of faith; that the church is the authority in religious matters and the King or Parliament in civil affairs. God may be approached directly by every person; there should be no intermediary between God, the Father, and His children. This doctrine evolved into the great principles of democracy in church government as well as in civil affairs, separation of church and state and freedom of