How does Miller characterize Parris and how does Parris feel about his parishioners?

Parris plays a man of the cloth, whose main concerns are anything but Godly. He is portrayed as weak and suspicious..... and yet he's always loking out for number one; number one being himself. Parris is well aware the girls are telling lies, but he will not speak up because doing so might interfere with his own plans. Charges against the girls would reflect upon him, and that would dash his hopes of gaining all there is to gain as pastor. Parish picks and chooses the parishoners  who will better his fortunes in Salem.