John Hale's opening paragraph in A Modest Inquiry into the Nature of Witchcraft serves several purposes. Firstly, it sets the tone and context for the rest of the book by introducing the topic of witchcraft and acknowledging the fear and confusion surrounding it. Hale notes that the people of his time were "alarmed with unusual and strange sights" and that they sought answers to the "mysterious and unaccountable causes" of these phenomena.
Secondly, the opening paragraph establishes Hale's credibility and expertise on the subject of witchcraft. Hale was a Puritan minister who had been involved in the Salem witch trials, and he uses his experience and knowledge to frame the discussion of witchcraft in a rational and logical manner. He notes that his goal is to "search out the truth" and to provide a "modest inquiry" into the nature of witchcraft.
Finally, the opening paragraph serves as a call to action for readers to engage with the book and to participate in the search for truth about witchcraft. By acknowledging the confusion and fear surrounding the topic, and by presenting himself as a rational and informed guide, Hale encourages readers to join him in the search for answers about this mysterious and frightening phenomenon.