PUTNAM: Now look you, sir. Let you strike out against the Devil, and the village will bless you for it! Come down, speak to them – pray with them. They’re thirsting for your word, Mister! Surely you’ll pray with them.
PARRIS: I’ll lead them in a psalm, but let you say nothing of witchcraft yet. I will not discuss it. The cause is yet unknown. I have had enough contention since I came; I want no more.
– Arthur Miller
The Crucible, Act 1. Thomas Putnam exerts his considerable power in the community to persuade Parris to take spiritual charge and lead the battle against Lucifer. A cautious Parris, worried for his reputation, agrees to lead everyone in prayer and a psalm but refuses to accept any mention of witchcraft.