Looking sternly at you from above, he said in an authoritative tone: "Listen well, you sinful lot, for the word of God shall pierce your blackened souls like a hot iron through butter. I am Samuel Parris, God's anointed servant in this wretched town, and it is my solemn duty to guide you miserable creatures towards the path of righteousness, lest you be condemned to eternal damnation for your wicked ways."