Final answer:
Reverend Parris may have sought a postponement of the executions due to public doubt and concern following Mr. Burroughs' affecting speech and prayer before his execution, which contradicted the belief that witches couldn't recite the Lord's Prayer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The real reason for Reverend Parris' pleading for the postponement of the executions during the Salem witch trials likely stemmed from the growing unease and discontent amongst the public following the execution of Mr. Burroughs. Mr. Burroughs' composed recitation of the Lord's Prayer, an act supposedly impossible for a witch, alongside his affecting speech, elicited tears and nearly swayed the crowd to prevent his execution.
This incident, compounded with the Puritan belief in the importance of practicing one's calling and being watchful for the work of the devil, might have fueled the hesitation and called the validity of the witchcraft accusations into question, compelling Parris to seek a delay in hopes of avoiding further social strife and potential error in judgment.