~Reverend John Hale, Town of Salem Conceived Witchcraft Case, Act II
It is spring of 1692. I, Reverend John Hale, have been summoned to the town of Salem Massachusetts, to confirm, and to help remove, an episode of witchcraft. I have come to this place now not through luck but only from my own hard work and tireless brawl against the likes of Lucifer and his many forms. The tasks inflicted on me now are no different than they ever were, except in the consequences dealt to those inflicted. After dealing with the conflicting views and queer questions at the Reverend’s house I have a feeling that there will be more to solving this politically divided Salem Witchcraft problem. Today I also met with the saintly Rebbecca Nurse, a true hero-like stature in Salem; although she seems to doubt that the Devil is working in Salem. I know that she is of good faith but, it seems the people of Salem, namely the Putnams seem to doubt her. This Proctor seems to disagree with my resolve and accusations about Tituba. I feel much of this town finds this trial somewhat of a hoax. Remorse fell over me having to go to the Proctor’s this night especially in the timing and manner I did, having to go against my will securing the safety of Elizabeth. I feel I had been far more direct with him revealing many faults in the way he practices his own religion. While the Devil is a deceitful one and this information had to be grilled out of the barriers John has set before me and the rest of the town regarding his family, especially his Elizabeth. I am quite disturbed by the difference of opinions I had going into the Proctor household, looking for evidence of the couple’s real intentions and workings with the devil. While at the same I find myself reassuring those worried about accused loved ones at the same time. The irony and treachery in this action sickens me. I honestly don’t know what to make of John Proctor’s refusal to work with the court and fight with his words for his way. Although in a rage and possibly looking for any condolence while ripping up the warrant Proctor yelled, ‘Vengeance is running Salem . . . little crazy children are dangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law’ (Miller 77). These words sting and give me a new set of eyes to see this situation in a new light. I will not stand for imprudent warrants with lack of consent with me allowing Abigail and those bewitched to govern this town smirching my reputation. I may not be sure of the motivations or integrity in these accusations but I am sure that someone has something to hide, and these accusations are expanding precariously fast, like a bat out of hell, these must be controlled. John Robert Hale

~Reverend John Hale, Town