As an authority on witchcraft called upon to help identify witches and cure those afflicted from a witch. He goes to visit the Proctors to interview them to get to know them better. Hale makes a clear connection between what the court can prove as far as accusations against people, based on their level of devotion to their faith.
"Hale says: Goody Proctor, I do not judge you. My duty is to add what I may to the godly wisdom of the court." (Miller)
But the fact is that he is making judgements on these people. His theory about people of faith being free from the temptations of witchcraft falls apart, when Rebecca Nurse, a person he revered when he arrived in Salem, is arrested.
It is Hale's belief that Salem is in the grip of the Devil.
"There is a misty plot afoot so subtle we should be criminal to cling to old respects and ancient friendships. I have seen too many frightful proofs in court, the Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points." (Miller)
"Man, remember, until an hour before the Devil fell, God thought him beautiful in Heaven." (Miller)
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