It is the year 1659 in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a
quaint, little city, filled with
kind villagers and the
dark-skinned Indians who stop into town often (Rees 105). Not far off from Salem, through the
evil-filled woods with spirits and creatures, there is another small, peaceful town called Beulah.
Beulah is a very strict and religious town, all
witchcraft is
forbidden (Rees 199). Those who
do not live according to God's laws are faced with
severe consequences.
Just like any other area in the north-eastern United states, Beulah has its
gruesome winters, mild falls and springs, and sweltering summers. This town may look beautiful and peaceful, but it has some of its own
hidden secrets.
I spend most of my time in our town's Meeting House. The
doors are covered with notices including wedding banns and prohibitions. Sunday services are held at the Meeting House, and my people are
obligated to attend services; absences lead to
penalties. On Sundays, or the
Sabbath, myself and Elias Cornwell preach to the townspeople who sit before us on
splintered wooden benches. The congregation is divided in half, men on one side and women on the other.
I am the PROPHET. My people worship me as if I am GOD. The townspeople listen to every word that comes out of my mouth, and they live by them. Not once have I caught the people of the congregation overcome with a sense of
tedium.
