The Man, the Witch, and the Baptist?

When we hear about the Salem Witch Trials we always think girls. Girls. The ideal look of a "witch" in these times was a red head, short, and most of these girls worked with other people’s children. These girls were either on trial because of someone elses words or because of some action that a child would do. But it was not until April 30, 1692 that a former Salem minister, George Burroughs, was accused of practicing witch craft. On May 4th, 1692 George was arrested in Maine and brought back to Salem where three days later he was put in jail after his trial.

A photo of George Burroughs on trial.

Now how did a pastor end up on the chopping block? Where did it all go wrong?  

It has been said that his teaching were not liked by most of the congregation. As well as his attitude was expressed as very rude and violent man. It has been know that he was exceedingly strong and people believed that was a result of his witchcraft. When he was put on trial many questioned his beliefs as well as baptizing his children and his lack of attendance in the Lord's Supper. The very first question at his trial was if all of his children were baptized. They asked these questions because they believed his was himself, a Baptist. They brought these issues to the table as they were trying to expose his deviance from Puritan teachings.

A photo of George Burroughs about to be executed.

Burroughs did not go freely, as he made one last stand on the day of his hanging. It is known as one of the most impacting speeches from the Salem Witch Trials era. It was believed that if you could recite the Lord's Prayer then you were not a witch, Burroughs used this in his final words on this earth. He stood on the ladder to the gallows and gave his final speech, to God, to his accusers, and to the world. He was not a witch. Nathaniel Hawthorne described this epic scene in his book Main Street where he calls this even a "martyr's death". Even if Burroughs was a witch himself, I think this story needs to be addressed more. How can you kill a man who follows all of your requirements to be innocent, but yet, not enought for you to keep him alive. 

A photo of George Burroughs grave at the Salem Witch Trials monument.