In spite of all the talk about freedom of religion in America, the early Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts was anything but tolerant. Only the approved and established Puritan church was allowed but a contingent of settlers (mostly Baptists) were moving toward Rhode Island. One of those who espoused Baptist beliefs in Plymouth was Reverend Obadiah Holmes who was found guilty of secretly teaching Baptist beliefs. In addition to a fine, he was publicly beaten in Boston on September 5, 1651.
