What does this quote from The Crucible mean? "In unity still lay the best promise of safety."

This quote is from Arthur Miller's comments before the action starts in Act I.

If you look at the context, the quote is actually talking about how the people in Salem during those days could best protect themselves.  And what they needed to protect themselves from was the Indians.  The quote is followed by

The edge of the wilderness was close by.  The American continent ... stood dark, threatenening... for out of it Indian tribes marauded from time to time.

However, in the context of the play, you can argue that Miller is trying to foreshadow or refer to what is to come.  During the witch trials, you could see the quote in two ways:

1. You were only safe if you stood with the court -- in unity.


2. The only way true safety could ever come about would be from the town standing up to the court.