In the story, the wickedness that Young Goodman Brown witnesses is a witches' Sabbath, a meeting of those in Salem who are in league with the Devil. There were a number of people there, "all of excellent repute," including "church-members of Salem village, famous for their especial sanctity." In addition, there were "men of dissolute lives and women of spotted fame, wretches given over to all mean and filthy vice, and suspected even of horrid...
In the story, the wickedness that Young Goodman Brown witnesses is a witches' Sabbath, a meeting of those in Salem who are in league with the Devil. There were a number of people there, "all of excellent repute," including "church-members of Salem village, famous for their especial sanctity." In addition, there were "men of dissolute lives and women of spotted fame, wretches given over to all mean and filthy vice, and suspected even of horrid crimes." So, alongside all of the supposedly pious and righteous people of the town, including the deacon and the pastor, are all of those who are known sinners, harlots, and criminals.
He and Faith are involved in it because, apparently, they each have had some dealings with the Devil (and have committed sins) as well. Brown knowingly met the Devil in the forest, and, evidently, Faith has met with him, too. A number of "converts" are brought forward, and Brown and Faith are among their number. They are charged with the duty of tempting others to sin. The Devil tells them, "'Now are ye undeceived! Evil is the nature of mankind. Evil must be your only happiness.'" The converts are welcomed by the hellish congregation, and Brown suddenly implores Faith to "'Look up to heaven, and resist the Wicked One!'" and, in the next moment, he finds himself alone, in the forest.
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