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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/38327-8.txt b/38327-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4cc1753 --- /dev/null +++ b/38327-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2124 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The History of Sabatai Sevi, by John Evelyn + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The History of Sabatai Sevi + The Suppos'd Messiah of the Jews + +Author: John Evelyn + +Editor: Christopher W. Grose + +Release Date: December 17, 2011 [EBook #38327] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF SABATAI SEVI *** + + + + +Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Moti Ben-Ari and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + +[Illustration: Cover] + + + + + THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY + + JOHN EVELYN + + THE HISTORY + OF + SABATAI SEVI, + _The Suppos'd Messiah_ + OF THE JEWS. + + (1669) + + _Introduction by_ + CHRISTOPHER W. GROSE + + PUBLICATION NUMBER 131 + WILLIAM ANDREWS CLARK MEMORIAL LIBRARY + UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES + + 1968 + + + + +GENERAL EDITORS + + George Robert Guffey, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Maximillian E. Novak, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Robert Vosper, _William Andrews Clark Memorial Library_ + + +ADVISORY EDITORS + + Richard C. Boys, _University of Michigan_ + James L. Clifford, _Columbia University_ + Ralph Cohen, _University of Virginia_ + Vinton A. Dearing, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Arthur Friedman, _University of Chicago_ + Louis A. Landa, _Princeton University_ + Earl Miner, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Samuel H. Monk, _University of Minnesota_ + Everett T. Moore, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Lawrence Clark Powell, _William Andrews Clark Memorial Library_ + James Sutherland, _University College, London_ + H. T. Swedenberg, Jr., _University of California, Los Angeles_ + + +CORRESPONDING SECRETARY + +Edna C. Davis, _William Andrews Clark Memorial Library_ + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + _And you should if you please refuse + Till the conversion of the Jews._ + + +The reader of John Evelyn's _History of Sabatai Sevi, The Pretended +Messiah of the Jewes_ or of the _History of the Three Late Famous +Impostors_ (1669) in which it is the most significant part, discovers a +fascinating, if unoriginal, addition to the work of the great diarist +and dilettante, the amateur student of engraving and trees--and smoke. +Evelyn's work was almost totally derived from the account of Sir Paul +Rycaut, who was from 1661 secretary (and later consul) for the Levant +mercantile company in Smyrna. Rycaut was in fact responsible for what +first-hand reporting there is in the _History_, and Evelyn's book +preceded by only eleven years Rycaut's _History of the Turkish Empire +1623-1677_, where the story first appeared under the author's own name. + +What gives Evelyn's _Pretended Messiah_ its own interest is partly the +immediacy of the news of Sabatai Sevi, and partly the context in which +Evelyn places the story, a context to some extent indicated in the +title, _History of the Three Late Famous Impostors_. When the work was +published in 1669, Sevi was neither the amusing curiosity he is likely +to be for the modern reader, nor the impertinent confidence man +suggested by Evelyn's "impostor." Evelyn was reviewing for an English +audience one of the great crises in Jewish history, the career of the +man who has been called Judaism's "most notorious messianic +claimant."[1] That career was not entirely past history in 1669. Sevi +lived until 1675, and even after his humiliation and final banishment in +1673 he could write to his father-in-law in Salonica that men would see +in his lifetime the day of redemption and the return of the Jews to +Zion; "For God hath appointed me Lord of all Mizrayim."[2] Indeed, a +remnant of Judaeo-Turkish Shabbethaians called Dönmehs apparently +exists in Salonica to the present day. + +Whatever the appeal of Sevi's story may be for modern readers--as a mode +of fiction, perhaps, or an instance of mass hysteria--Evelyn's discovery +of an exemplum for religious and political enthusiasts may seem forced +or reductive. In 1669, however, the interest of Englishmen in Jewish +affairs was by no means merely academic--or narrowly commercial. There +were, it is true, English sportsmen in 1666 who were actually betting on +the Sevi career--ten to one that the "Messiah of Ismir" would be crowned +King of Jerusalem within two years. And what was most disturbing about +Sevi to the English nation as a whole was perhaps the disruption of +trade, in which Sevi's father was intimately involved, as the agent of +an English mercantile house. At the height of the furor, Jewish +merchants were dissolving businesses as well as unroofing their houses +in preparation for the return to Jerusalem. But the prime significance +for Evelyn--perhaps more than for Rycaut--is revealed in the instinctive +mental connection between Jewish and Christian history, or ways of +thinking about history, on the one hand, and political realities in +England on the other. Only nine years had passed since the return of +Charles II and the displacement of the Protectorate, with its remarkable +Jewish elements. As for the return of the Christian Messiah and an +imminent reign of the saints, Sevi might well have reminded Evelyn of +the English "impostor," the Quaker Jacob Naylor, whose messianic claims +were publicly examined at Bristol in 1657. Far more important to +Englishmen of the period, however, was the episode involving the mission +of the Amsterdam rabbi Menasseh ben Israel to Cromwell's England in +1655, a year after Naylor's first appearance. + +For two centuries after their expulsion from England by Edward I--that +is, until the seventeenth century--Jews either avoided England entirely +or lived there in deliberate obscurity. Some Spanish and Portuguese +Jewish refugees from the Inquisition did arrive in England; but +particularly after the execution for treason of Elizabeth's physician +Roderigo Lopez in 1594, they could remain only as "Crypto-Jews." It was +during the Puritan regime that the Jewish position in England really +improved, and the removal of the legal bar dates from the conference +summoned by Cromwell in response to the demands of Menasseh.[3] The +interest in Rabbinical literature displayed by learned men like Joseph +Scaliger, Johann Buxtorf, Hugo Grotius, and John Selden, together with a +general Old Testament emphasis in Protestant scriptural study, made +Judaism a more fashionable interest than it had been in previous years. +Cromwell's own encouragement of Menasseh is usually viewed as an +expression of his tolerationist principles and the hope that the return +of Jews to England would aid in extending trade with Spain and Portugal, +and even with the Levant. An additional facet of his general reception +of Menasseh is relevant to Evelyn's _Pretended Messiah_. A chief +argument in _The Humble Address of Menasseh ben Israel_ (November 5, +1655) was the Amsterdam rabbi's belief that since England was the only +country rejecting the Jews, their readmittance would be the signal for +the coming of the Messiah. Fifth-Monarchy enthusiasts recalled the +prophecies of _Daniel_ and _Revelations_ and linked them with the +relatively immediate experience of the Thirty Years' War; motives of +mercantile jealousy were to some extent offset by millenarian anxiety. +Indeed, the possibility of an imminent millennial reign of the saints +could be the strongest kind of argument for showing favor to the Jews. +Cromwell all but proselytized at the meetings of the conference; +ultimately, because of the opposition of commercial interests, he was +forced to dissolve it. + +We can perhaps best understand Evelyn's account of Sabatai Sevi, "the +Messiah of Ismir," against this background of English Protestant +millennial thinking, admirably summarized in Michael Fixler's recent +study.[4] As Fixler suggests, it was possibly to discredit the +Fifth-Monarchy men that Rycaut first included the account in what was to +become his _History of the Turkish Empire_. At any rate, Sevi himself +was hardly the mere con-man Rycaut and Evelyn portray; the mask, indeed, +is _erepta_ only with the greatest of difficulty. Because Rycaut was +interested in trade and cultural _mores_, his (and consequently, +Evelyn's) account neglects features of the story which are of primary +interest to more psychologically inclined readers. We are told almost +nothing, for example, of the details of Sevi's solitary youth; his +physical attractiveness; his clear voice as well suited to lascivious +Spanish love-songs (interpreted mystically) as to Psalms; and his early +rejection of the Talmud for the practical Cabala, with its strenuous, +self-mortifying asceticism. One would gather from Evelyn that only the +deluded followers of the "impostor" and not Sevi himself imposed such +punishments as self-burial, and bathing in the sea, even in midwinter. +More surprising, perhaps, is the almost total neglect of Sarah, Sevi's +third wife, mentioned in the _Pretended Messiah_ only as the "Ligornese +Lady" whom Sevi acquired after freeing himself "from the Incumbrances of +a Family." In fact, the beautiful and engaging Sarah seems to have +become an integral part of the movement, a movement which in its early +stages was all-male. A prostitute notorious in her own right, primarily +for her claims to be the destined bride of the Messiah, Sarah apparently +escaped miraculously from a Christian convent after being cared for as +an orphan of the savage Chmielnicki massacres in Poland. As he was later +to do with a more formidable rival to his exclusive claims (Nehemiah +ha-Kohen, who ultimately exposed him as a fraud) Sevi called Sarah to +Cairo in 1664, claiming to have dreamed of her as _his_ future bride. +Eventually, after his "conversion," she followed him even into the +Turkish seraglio where he bore the title Mahmed Effendi. + +Other details are missing from Evelyn's _Pretended Messiah_; the +interested reader may pursue the strange tale in Graetz's _History of +the Jews_ or the partly fictionalized biography by Joseph Kastein, _The +Messiah of Ismir_.[5] We may note in passing one additional incident. +After his first banishment from Smyrna (as a result of pronouncing the +sacred tetragrammaton in Hebrew), Sevi met the mystic Abraham ha-Yakini, +who subsequently forged in archaic characters and style a document +entitled "The Great Wisdom of Solomon"--a document accepted by Sevi as +an authentic "archeological" revelation. The event was shortly followed +by a bizarre celebration of Sevi's marriage as the Son of God ("En Sof") +with the Torah, and may have provided climactic metaphysical +confirmation of Sevi's hopes. In the manner of the old apocalypses, it +pronounced Sevi the "saviour of My people, Israel," one who in time +"shall overthrow the great dragon and kill the serpent."[6] + +Good as Evelyn's _Pretended Messiah_ may have been for contemporaries +as a review of recent "news," and we must not underestimate this +function, to the modern reader it seems closer to fiction, of a +peculiarly propagandistic and ironic kind. Aside from omissions from the +story--partly a matter of ignorance or failure in perception, and partly +deliberate exclusion of inconvenient material--Evelyn's enthusiastic +acceptance of his source's frequent theatrical metaphors is one measure +of the distance from history of the _Pretended Messiah_. When Evelyn's +Sevi is grave, it is a "formal and pharisaical gravitie" which is +"starcht on." His motives in general seem highly conscious, even +deliberate; and despite a certain doubleness in the point of view of the +_Pretended Messiah_, the reason for Sevi's comic simplicity is not +difficult to discover. Sir Paul Rycaut, as I have suggested, seems +primarily interested in the effects of the movement on trade. The most +vehement thinking of the book, though ascribed to an unnamed opponent of +Sevi, could well be that of Rycaut himself: + + [The opponent observed] in what a wilde manner the whole People + of the Jewes was transported, with the groundless beliefe of a + _Messiah_, leaving not onely their Trade, and course of living, + but publishing Prophesies of a speedy Kingdome, of rescue from + the Tyranny of the Turk, and leading the Grand Signior himself + Captive in Chaines; matters so dangerous and obnoxious to the + State wherein they lived, as might justly convict them of + Treason and Rebellion, and leave them to the Mercy of that + Justice, which on the least jealousie and suspicion of Matters + of this nature uses to extirpate Families, and subvert the + Mansion-houses of their own People, much rather of the Jewes, on + whom the Turkes would gladly take occasion to dispoile them of + their Estates, and condemn the whole Nation to perpetual + slavery. + + (pp. 78-79) + +Evelyn retains this and similar material, apparently never suspecting +that the Turks may well have been hesitant from real fear; but the +burden of his emphasis is more overtly political and religious. Evelyn +is less than ingenuous, perhaps, in associating Sevi with Peter Serini's +fake brother, or even with Mahomed Bei--another of the "late famous +impostors." But the connection does have the effect of putting Sevi in +an imaginary world where all masks will be discovered and the truth +known. Ultimately, Evelyn's Jews, like Dryden's and Milton's, are +English--"_our_ modern Enthusiasts and other prodigious Sects amongst +us, who Dreame of the like Carnal Expectations, and a Temporal Monarchy" +(sig. A8; italics mine). One hardly needs to fill out the reading. With +a traditional reminder that "the Time is not yet Accomplished," Evelyn +warns English sectarians to beware of misleading fictions--"to weigh how +nearly their Characters approach the Style and Design of those deluded +wretches." + +Evelyn's words here suggest something of the wider interest of the +_Pretended Messiah_. For in threatening the modern enthusiasts, as it +were, with the status of comic fiction, he also hinted at the literal +immediacy of such explicitly imaginative works as _Absalom and +Achitophel_, _Paradise Regained_, and _Samson Agonistes_. What Evelyn's +_Pretended Messiah_ helps to reveal, then, is not only the potential +metaphoric value of news itself, but also the peculiar proximity of +poetry to "history" in a period when historical thought was inseparable +from apocalyptic myth.[7] + + University of California, + Los Angeles + + + + +NOTES TO THE INTRODUCTION + + +[1] Michael Fixler, _Milton and the Kingdoms of God_ (London, 1964), p. +244. + +[2] Joseph Kastein, _The Messiah of Ismir_, trans. Huntley Paterson (New +York, 1931), p. 323. + +[3] For an account of the events leading to the extra-judicial opinion +of Glyn and Steele, see Samuel R. Gardiner, _History of the Commonwealth +and Protectorate, 1649-1660_, III (London, 1901), 216-222. + +[4] _Milton and the Kingdoms of God_ (London, 1964), especially pp. +237-249. + +[5] Heinrich Graetz, _History of the Jews_, V (Philadelphia, 1895), +118-167. See also Henry Malter, "Shabetai Zebi B. Mordecai," _The Jewish +Encyclopedia_, X (1905). + +[6] Kastein, p. 77. + +[7] For a provocative study of apocalypse in fiction, see Frank Kermode, +_The Sense of An Ending_ (Oxford, 1966). + + + + +BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE + + +The text of this edition is reproduced from a copy in the William +Andrews Clark Memorial Library. + + + + + THE + HISTORY + Of the THREE late famous + IMPOSTORS, + + {_Padre Ottomano_, + viz. {_Mahomed Bei_, and + {_Sabatai Sevi_. + + The _One_, pretended _Son_ and _Heir_ + to the late _Grand Signior_; + + The _Other_, a _Prince_ of the _Ottoman_ Family, + but in _truth_, a _Valachian Counterfeit_. + + And the Last, + The Suppos'd _MESSIAH_ of the _Jews_, + in the _Year_ of the true _Messiah_, 1666. + + With a brief _Account_ of the _Ground_, and _Occasion_ + of the present _War_ between the + _TURK_ and the _VENETIAN_. + + Together with the _Cause_ of the final + _Extirpation_, _Destruction_ and _Exile_ + of the _JEWS_ out of the + EMPIRE of PERSIA. + + * * * * * + + In the _SAVOY_, + Printed for _Henry Herringman_ at the Sign + of the _Anchor_ in the Lower-Walk of + the _New-Exchange_. 1669. + + + + +[Illustration: Title decoration] + +To the READER. + + +_The Great_ Scaliger _was wont commonly to say_, Omnis Historia bona, +_that all_ History _was_ good; _meaning, that it was_ worthy _of_ +notice, _so it were_ true, _and_ matter _of_ fact, _though the_ Subject +_of it were never so_ trivial. This, _though but a_ Pamphlet _in bulke, +is very_ considerable _for the_ Matters _it containes, and for that it +endeavours to informe, and disabuse_ _the_ World _of a current_ Error, +_which has mingled, and spread it selfe into divers grave_ Relations +_that have been_ Printed, _and confidently published many Yeares without +Suspition._ + +_How I came to be enlightned for these_ Pieces, _I have in part declar'd +in my_ Dedicatory _Addresses; and if I forbear to publish the_ Name _of +that Intelligent_ Stranger, _and that other_ Person, _from whom I +received my_ Informations; _You are to know, that it is not out of fear +of being detected of_ Imposture, _whil'st we declare against it, and +which cannot serve any_ Interest _of the_ Relators; _but because, being_ +Strangers, _or_ Itinerants, _and one of them upon his return into his_ +_Native_ Country _(which may possibly engage them to passe by_ Malta, +_and other_ Levantine _parts obnoxious to these_ Discourses) _it would +appear but ingrateful in us to expose them to an_ Inconvenience. _Let it +suffice to assure you, that they are_ Persons _of no mean_ Parts, +Ingenuity _and_ Candor; _well acquainted with the_ Eastern Countreys +_and_ Affaires, _and that have themselves been witnesses of most of +these Transactions._ + +_It were to be wish'd that our_ Christian Monarchs _had alwayes near +them some dextrous_ Person _of this_ Gentlemans _abilites; were it but +to_ Discover _such_ Cheates _as frequently appearing under the Disguise +of Distressed_ Princes, Merchants, _&c. are, to truth, but_ Spies, _and +bold_ Impostors, _and whom otherwise 'tis almost impossible to_ detect; +_not to suggest the many other good_ Offices, _as to the_ Eastern +Commerce _and_ Affaires, _they might be_ useful _in. But this is more +than I have_ Commission _to say from those who have no other design in +what they_ Relate, _than their_ Affection _to_ Truth. _It is not yet a +full_ Year _since there went a Crafty_ Varlet _about the_ Countrey, _who +pretended himself to be the_ Brother _of the famous_ Peter Serini +_(whose brave and_ Heroick Actions _had so celebrated him against the_ +Turkes) _and related a_ Story _by his feign'd_ Interpreter, _how he +fortun'd to be cast on shore on the_ West _of_ England, _as he was +conducting_ Supplies _from abroad._ This _he perform'd with a +confidence and success so happily, as caus'd him to be_ receiv'd, +presented, _and_ assisted (_like another_ Mahomed Bei) _by divers_ +Persons _of_ Quality, _and some of them my nearest_ Acquaintance, _in +his Pretended Journey to_ Court; _But being at last discover'd in a_ +Tipling-house _on the_ Rode, _where un-mindful of his_ Part _and_ +Character, _he call'd for a_ Pot _of_ Ale _in too good_ English, _and a +more natural_ Tone _than became so great a_ Stranger, _and the_ Person +_he put on, we heard no more of the_ Gamester: _I wish our_ Fin-land +Spirit, _who is of late dropt out of the_ Clouds _amongst us, prove not +one of his_ Disciples; _for the_ Age _is very fertile; and I am told, +that our_ Mahomed _having receiv'd his_ Ajuda de Costo _from the Bounty +and Charity of a great_ Person _of more easie_ Beliefe, _is slipt aside +for fear of the_ Porters-Lodge, _and yet 'tis_ possible _you may hear +more of him before his_ Ramble _be quite at a period._ + +_You have at the end of the last_ Impostor _an_ Account _of the_ Jews +_Exile out of that Vast_ Empire _of_ Persia, _happening but the other +day; which, together with the miscarriage of their late_ Messiah (_the_ +Twenty-Fifth _Pretender to it as I am credibly inform'd, it stands in +their own_ Records) _might, one would think, at last open the_ Eyes, +_and turne the_ hearts _of that_ obstinate _and miserable_ People: _But +whil'st the_ Time _not yet_ Accomplish'd, _I could_ _wish our modern_ +Enthusiasts, _and other prodigious_ Sects _amongst us, who Dreame of the +like Carnal_ Expectations, _and a_ Temporal Monarchy, _might seriously +weigh how nearly their_ Characters _approach the_ Style _and_ Design _of +these Deluded_ Wretches, _least they fall into the same_ Condemnation, +_and the Snare of the_ Devil. + + * * * * * + +ERRATA. + +_PAge 15, Line 17, Read_ deside. _l. 28 r. dignità, 18. 6. r. Spina +Longa, 21 l. 12. r._ DETECTED. _24 l. 23, r. It'aser. 30. 14. dele and. +58. l. 17. Essendo. l. 21. promessa per gli suoi Profeti e padri nostri. +59. l. 2. r. digjuni. 66. 11. r._ should be wrought. _77. l. 18. r._ not +onely. _85. 22. r._ one that (as it was said). _93. l. 22. r._ tenor. +_97.15. dele_ which, and read _it. 99. 7. r._ As that. _110. l. 12. r. +Cymeterie._ + + * * * * * + +THE END + + + + +[Illustration: Title decoration] + + THE + HISTORY + OF + _SABATAI SEVI_, + + The Pretended + _Messiah_ of the _Jewes_, + In the Year of our _Lord_, 1666. + The _Third Impostor_. + + +According to the Predictions of several _Christian_ Writers, especially +of such who Comment on the _Apocalyps_, or Revelations, this Year of +1666 was to prove a Year of Wonders, of strange Revolutions in the +World, and particularly of Blessing to the _Jewes_, either in respect of +their Conversion to the _Christian_ Faith, or of their Restoration to +their Temporal Kingdome: This Opinion was so dilated, and fixt in the +Countreys of the Reformed Religion, and in the Heads of Phanatical +_Enthusiasts_, who Dreamed of a Fift Monarchy, the downfall of the +_Pope_, and _Antichrist_, and the Greatness of the _Jewes_: In so much, +that this subtile People judged this Year the time to stir, and to fit +their Motion according to the season of the Modern Prophesies; whereupon +strange Reports flew from place to place, of the March of Multitudes of +People from unknown parts into the remote Desarts of _Arabia_, supposed +to be the _Ten Tribes_ and _halfe_, lost for so many Ages. That a Ship +was arrived in the Northern parts of _Scotland_ with her Sailes and +Cordage of Silke, Navigated by Mariners who spake nothing but _Hebrew_; +with this Motto on their Sailes, _The Twelve Tribes of Israel_. These +Reportes agreeing thus near to former Predictions, put the wild sort of +the World into an expectation of strange Accidents, this year should +produce in reference to the _Jewish_ Monarchy. + +In this manner Millions of People were possessed, when _Sabatai Sevi_ +first appear'd at _Smyrna_, and published himself to the _Jewes_ for +their _Messiah_, relating the greatness of their approaching Kingdome, +the strong hand whereby God was about to deliver them from Bondage, and +gather them from all partes of the World. It was strange to see how the +fancy took, and how fast the report of _Sabatai_ and his Doctrine flew +through all partes where _Turkes_ and _Jews_ inhabited; the latter of +which were so deeply possessed with a beliefe of their new Kingdome, and +Riches, and many of them with promotion to Offices of Government, +Renown, and Greatness, that in all parts from _Constantinople_ to _Buda_ +(which it was my fortune that year to Travel) I perceiv'd a strange +transport in the _Jewes_, none of them attending to any business unless +to winde up former negotiations, and to prepare themselves and Families +for a Journey to _Jerusalem_: All their Discourses, their Dreames, and +disposal of their Affaires tended to no other Design but a +re-establishment in the Land of Promise, to Greatness, Glory, Wisdome, +and Doctrine of the _Messiah_, whose Original, Birth, and Education are +first to be recounted. + +_Sabatai Sevi_ was Son of _Mordechai Sevi_, an Inhabitant, and Natural +of _Smyrna_, who gained his Livelihood by being _Broaker_ to an +_English_ Marchant in that place; a person, who before his death was +very decrepit in his Body, and full of the Goute, and other Infirmities, +but his Son _Sabatai Sevi_ addicting himself to Study, became a notable +Proficient in the _Hebrew_ and _Metaphysicks_; and arrived to that point +of _Sophistry_ in _Divinity_ and _Metaphysicks_, that he vented a New +Doctrine in their Law, drawing to the Profession of it so many +Disciples, as raised one day a Tumult in the _Synagogue_; for which +afterwards he was by a Censure of the _Chochams_ (who are Expounders of +the Law) banished the City. + +During the time of his Exile, he Travelled to _Thessalonica_, now called +_Salonica_, where he Marryed a very handsome Woman; but either not +having that part of Oeconomy as to govern a Wife, or being Impotent +towards Women, as was pretended, or that she found not favour in his +Eyes, she was divorced from him: Again, he took a second Wife, more +beautiful then the former, but the same causes of discontent raising a +difference between them, he obtained another Divorce from this Wife +also. And being now free from the Incumbrances of a Family, his wandring +Head mov'd him to Travel through the _Morea_, thence to _Tripoli_ in +_Syria_, _Gaza_, and _Jerusalem_; and by the way picked up a _Ligornese_ +Lady, whom he made his third Wife, the Daughter of some _Polonian_ or +_German_, her Original and Parentage not being very well known. And +being now at _Jerusalem_ he began to Reforme the _Law_ of the _Jewes_, +and Abolish the _Fast_ of _Tamuz_ (which they keep in the Moneth of +_June_) and there meeting with a certain _Jew_ called _Nathan_, a proper +Instrument to promote his Design; he communicated to him his Condition, +his Course of Life, and Intentions, to Proclaime himself _Messiah_ of +the World, so long expected and desired by the _Jewes_. This Design took +wonderfully with _Nathan_; and because it was thought necessary +according to _Scripture_, and Antient _Prophesies_, that _Elias_ was to +precede the _Messiah_, as St. _John Baptist_ was the fore-runner of +_Christ_: _Nathan_ thought no man so proper to Act the Part of the +_Prophet_ as himself; and so no sooner had _Sabatai_ declared himself +the _Messiah_, but _Nathan_ discovers himself to be his Prophet, +forbiding all the Fasts of the _Jewes_ in _Jerusalem_; and declaring, +that the Bridegroom being come, nothing but Joy, and Triumph ought to +dwell in their Habitations; Writing to all the Assemblies of the +_Jewes_, to perswade them to the same beliefe. + +And now the Schisme being begun, and many _Jewes_ really believing what +they so much desired, _Nathan_ took the courage and boldness to +Prophesie, That one Year from the 27th of _Kislev_, (which is the moneth +of _June_) the _Messiah_ shall appear before the _Grand Signor_, & take +from him his Crown and lead him in Chaines like a Captive. + +_Sabatai_ also at _Gaza_ Preached Repentance to the _Jewes_, and +Obedience to Himself and Doctrine, for that the coming of the _Messiah_ +was at hand: which Novelties so Affected the _Jewish_ Inhabitants of +those partes, that they gave up themselves wholly to their Prayers, +Almes, and Devotions; and to confirme this beliefe the more, it hapned, +that at the same time that Newes hereof, with all perticulars were +dispatched from _Gaza_, to acquaint the Brethren in Forrain Partes: The +Rumour of the _Messiah_ hath flown so swift, and gained such reception, +that Intelligence came from all Partes and Countreys where the _Jewes_ +inhabit, by Letters to _Gaza_, and _Jerusalem_, Congratulating the +happiness of their Deliverance, and expiration of the time of their +Servitude, by the Appearance of the _Messiah_. To which they adjoyned +other Prophesies, relating to that Dominion the _Messiah_ was to have +over all the World: that for Nine Moneths after he was to disappeare; +during which time the _Jewes_ were to suffer, and many of them to +undergoe Martyrdom: but then returning again Mounted on a Coelestial +_Lyon_, with his Bridle made of _Serpents_ with seven heads, accompanyed +with his Brethren the _Jewes_, who Inhabited on the other side of the +River _Sabation_, he should be acknowledged for the Sole Monarch of the +Universe; and then the _Holy Temple_ should descend from Heaven already +built, framed, and beautified, wherein they should offer Sacrifice for +ever. + +And here I leave you to consider, how strangely this Deceived People was +Amused, when these Confident, and vain Reports, and Dreams of Power, and +Kingdomes, had wholly transported them from the ordinary course of their +Trade, and Interest. + +This noise and rumour of the _Messiah_, having begun to fill all places, +_Sabatai Sevi_ resolved to Travel towards _Smyrna_, the Country of his +Nativity; and thence to _Constantinople_ the Capital City, where the +principal Work of Preaching was to have been performed: _Nathan_ thought +it not fit to be long after him, and therefore Travels by the way of +_Damascus_, where resolving to continue some time for better Propagation +of this New Doctrine; in the meane while Writes this Letter to _Sabatai +Sevi_, as followeth. + + 22. _Kesvan_ of this YEAR. + + T_o the_ King, _our_ King, Lord _of our_ Lords, _who gathers the + Dispersed of_ Israel, _who Redeems our_ Captivity, _the Man + elevated to the height of all sublimity, the_ Messiah _of the_ + God _of_ Jacob, _the true_ Messiah, _the_ Coelestial Lyon, + Sabatai Sevi, _whose Honour be exalted, and his Dominion raised + in a short time, and for ever_, Amen. _After having kissed your + hands, and swept the Dust from your Feet, as my Duty is to the_ + King _of_ Kings, _whose Majesty be exalted, and his Empire + enlarged. These are to make known to the Supreme Excellency of + that Place, which is adorned with the Beauty of your Sanctity, + that the Word of the_ King, _and of his Law, hath enlightned our + Faces: that day hath been a solemn day unto_ Israel, _and a day + of light unto our Rulers, for immediately we applyed our selves + to performe your Commands, as our duty is. And though we have + heard of many strange things,_ _yet we are couragious, and our + heart is as the heart of a Lyon; nor ought we to enquire a + reason of your Doings, for your Workes are Marvellous, and past + finding out: And we are Confirmed in our Fidelity without all + exception, resigning up our very Souls for the holiness of your + Name: And now we are come as far as_ Damascus, _intending + shortly to proceed in our Journey to_ Scanderone, _according as + you have commanded us; that so we may ascend, and see the Face + of God in light, as the light of the Face of the King of Life: + And we, servants of your servants shall cleanse the dust from + your Feet, beseeching the Majesty of your Excellency and Glory + to vouchsafe from your habitation to have a care of us, and help + us with the Force of your Right Hand of Strength, and shorten + our way which is before us: And we have our Eyes towards_ Jah, + Jah, _who will make hast to help us, and save us, that the + Children of Iniquity shall not hurt us; and towards whom our + hearts pant, and are consumed within us: who shall give us + Tallons of Iron to be worthy to stand under the shadow of your_ + Asse. _These are the Words of the Servant of your servants, who + prostrates himself to be trod on by the soles of your feet,_ + + Nathan Benjamine. + +And that he might Publish this Doctrine of himself, and the _Messiah_ +more plainly, he Wrote from _Damascus_ this following Letter, to the +_Jewes_ at _Aleppo_, and parts thereabouts. + + To the Residue or Remnant of the _Israelites_, Peace without end. + + [Sidenote: Sabatai _Wrote a Letter to Elect one Man out of every + Tribe_.] + + _These my words are, to give you notice, how that I am Arrived + in Peace at_ Damascus, _and behold I go to meet the Face of our + Lord, whose Majesty be exalted, for he is the Soveraign of the + King of Kings, whose Empire be enlarged. According as he hath + Commanded us and the_ 12 Tribes _to elect unto Him_ 12 _Men, so + have we done: And we now go to_ Scanderone _by his command, to + shew our faces together, with part of the principal of those + particular Friends to whom he hath given Licence to assemble in + that same place. And now I come to make known unto you, that + though you have heard strange things of our Lord, yet let not + your hearts faint, or fear, but rather fortifie your selves in + your Faith, because all his Actions are Miraculous, and Secret, + which Humane understanding cannot comprehend, and who can + penetrate into the depth of them. In a short time all things + shall be Manifested to you clearly in their Purity: and you + shall know, and consider, and be instructed by the Inventor + himself; Blessed is he who can expect, and arrive to the + Salvation of the true_ Messiah, _who will speedily publish his + Authority and Empire over us now, and for ever._ + + _Nathan._ + +And now all the _Cities_ of _Turky_ where the _Jewes_ Inhabited were +full of the expectation of the _Messiah_; no Trade, nor course of Gaine +was followed: every one imagin'd that dayly Provisions, Riches, Honours, +and Government, were to descend upon them by some unknown and Miraculous +manner: an example of which is most observable in the _Jewes_ at +_Thessalonica_, who now full of Assurance that the Restoration of their +Kingdome, and the Accomplishment of the time for the coming of the +_Messiah_ was at hand, judged themselves obliged to double their +Devotions, and Purifie their Consciences from all Sins and Enormities +which might be obvious to the scrutiny of him who was now come to +Penetrate into the very Thoughts and Imaginations of Mankinde. In which +Work certain _Chochams_ were appointed to direct the People how to +Regulate their Prayers, Fasts, and other Acts of Devotion. But so +forward was every one now in his Acts of Penance, that they stay'd not +for the Sentence of the _Chocham_, or prescription of any Rules, but +apply'd themselves immediately to Fasting: And some in that manner +beyond the abilities of Nature, that having for the space of seven +dayes taken no sustenance, were famished to death. Others buryed +themselves in their Gardens, covering their naked Bodies with Earth, +their heads onely excepted, remained in their Beds of dirt until their +Bodies were stifned with the cold and moisture: others would indure to +have melted Wax dropt upon their shoulders, others to rowle themselves +in Snow, and throw their Bodies in the Coldest season of Winter Into the +Sea, or Frozen Waters. But the most common way of Mortification was +first to prick their Backs and Sides with Thornes, and then to give +themselves thirty nine Lashes. All Business was laid aside, none Worked, +or opened Shop, unless to clear his Warehouse of Merchandize at any +Price: who had superfluity in Houshold-stuffe, sold it for what he +could; but yet not to _Iewes_, for they were Interdicted from Bargaines +or Sales, on the pain of Excommunication, Pecuniary Mulcts, or Corporal +Punishments; for all Business and Imployment was esteemed the Test, and +Touchstone of their Faith. It being the general Tenent, that in the +dayes that the _Messiah_ appeares, the _Iewes_ shall become Masters of +the Estates and Inheritance of _Infidels_; until when they are to +content themselves with Matters onely necessary to maintain and support +Life. But because every one was not Master of so much Fortune and +Provision, as to live without dayly Labour, therefore to quiet the +Clamours of the Poor, and prevent the Enormous lives of some, who upon +these occasions would become Vagabonds, and desert their _Cities_, due +order was taken to make Collections, which were so liberally bestow'd, +that in _Thessalonica_ onely 400 Poore were supported by the meer +charity of the Richer. And as they indeavour'd to purge their +_Consciences_ of Sin, and to apply themselves to good Workes, that the +_Messiah_ might find the City prepared for his Reception; so, least he +should accuse them of any omission in the Law, and particularly in their +neglect of that Antient Precept of Increase and Multiply; they marryed +together Children of ten yeares of age, and some under, without respect +to Riches, or Poverty, Condition or Quality: But, being promiscuously +joyned, to the number of 6 or 700 Couple, upon better and cooler +thoughts, after the deceipt of the false _Messiah_ was discover'd, or +the expectation of his Coming grew cold, were Divorced, or by Consent +separated from each other. + +In the heat of all this Talk and Rumor, comes _Sabatai Sevi_ to +_Smyrna_, the City of his Nativity, infinitely desir'd there by the +common _Iewes_; but by the _Chochams_, or _Doctors_ of their _Law_, who +gave little or no credence to what he pretended, was ill receiv'd, not +knowing what mischief or ruine this Doctrine and Prophesie of a New +Kingdome might produce. Yet _Sabatai_ bringing with him testimonials of +his Sanctity, Holy Life, Wisdom, and Gift of Prophesie, so deeply fixed +himself in the heart of the Generality, both as being Holy and Wise, +that thereupon he took courage and boldness to enter into Dispute with +the Grand _Chocham_ (who is the Head, and Chief Expositer of the _Law_ +and superintendent of their will and Government) between whom the +Arguments grew so high, and Language so hot, that the _Iewes_ who +favoured the Doctrine of _Sabatai_, and feared the Authority of the +_Chocham_, doubtful what might be the issue of the Contest, appear'd in +great numbers before the _Cadi_ of _Smyrna_, in justification of their +New Prophet, before so much as any Accusation came against him: The +_Cadi_ (according to the Custome of the _Turkes_,) swallows Mony on both +sides, and afterwards remits them to the determination of their own +Justice. In this manner _Sabatai_ gaines ground dayly; and the Grand +_Chocham_ with his Party, losing both the affection and obedience of his +People, is displaced from his Office, and another Constituted, more +affectionate, and agreeable to the New Prophet, whose power daily +increased by those confident Reports. That his Enemies were struck with +Phrensies and Madness, until being restor'd to their former temper and +wits by him, became his Friends, Admirers, and Disciples. No Invitation +was now made in _Smyrna_ by the _Iewes_, nor Marriage, or Circumcision +solemnized, where _Sabatai_ was not present, accompanyed with a +multitude of his Followers, and the Streets cover'd with Carpits, or +fine Cloath for him to tread on; but the Humility of this _Pharisee_ +appear'd such, that he would stoop and turne them aside, and so pass. +And having thus fixed himself in the Opinion and Admiration of the +People, he began to take on himself the Title of _Messiah_, and the +_Son_ of _God_; and to make this following Declaration to all the Nation +of the _Iewes_, which being wrote Originally in _Hebrew_, was Translated +for me faithfully into _Italian_, in this manner. + + _L'unico figliolo, e primogenito d' dio_, Sabatai Sevi, _il_ + Messiah, _e_ Salvatore _d'_ Israel _eletti di_ dio _pace + bessendo che sete fatti degni di veder quel grangiorno della + deliberatione e Salvatione d'_ Israel, _e consummatione delle + parole di_ dio, _promess per li sua Profeti, e padri notri, per + il suo diletto figlio d'_ Israel, _ogni vestra amaritudine si + converta in allegrezza, e li vestri diginguiti facino feste, + per che non piangerete O miei figliole d'_Israel _havendovi + dati_ iddio _la consolatione inenarrabile, festegiate contimpani + e musiche, ringratiando quello chi ha adempito il promesso dalli + secoli, facendo ogni giorno quelle cose che solete fare nelle + callende, e quel giorno dedicato ali' afflictione e mestitia, + convertite lo in giorno giocondo per la mia comparsa, e non + spaventate niente, per che haverete Dominio sopra, le genti, non + solamente di quelle, che si vedodono in terra, ma quelle che + sono in fondi del mare, il tutto pro vestra consolatione & + allegrezza._ + +Which Translated into _English_, runs thus; + + The Onely, and First-borne Son of _God_, _Sabatai Sevi_, the + _Messiah_ and _Saviour_ of _Israel_, to all the Sons of + _Israel_, peace. Since that you are made worthy to see that + great Day of Deliverance, and Salvation unto _Israel_, and + Accomplishment of the Word of God, Promised by his Prophets, and + our forefathers, and by his Beloved Son of _Israel_: let your + bitter sorrowes be turned into Joy, and your Fasts into + festivals, for you shall weep no more, O my sons of _Israel_, + for God having given you this unspeakable Comfort, rejoyce with + _Drums_, _Organs_, and _Musick_, giving thanks to him for + performing his Promise from all Ages; doing that every day, + which is usual for you to do upon the _New-Moons_; and, that Day + Dedicated to affliction and sorrow convert you into a Day of + Mirth for my appearance: and fear you nothing, for you shall + have Dominion over the Nations, and not onely over those who are + on Earth, but over those Creatures also which are in the depth + of the Sea. All which is for your Consolation and Rejoycing. + + _Sabatai Sevi._ + +Notwithstanding the Disciples of _Sabatai Sevi_ were not so numerous, +but many opposed his doctrine, publiquely avouching that he was an +_Impostor_, and Deceiver of the people, amongst which was one _Samuel +Pennia_, a man of a good estate and reputation in _Smyrna_, who arguing +in the _Synagogue_, that the present signs of the coming of the +_Messiah_ were not apparent, either according to Scripture, or the +doctrine of the _Rabbins_, raised such a sedition and tumult amongst the +_Jews_, as not onely prevailed against arguments, but had also against +his life, had he not timely conveyed himself out of the _Synagogue_, and +thereby escaped the hands of the multitude, who now could more easily +endure blasphemy against the _Law_ of _Moses_, and the prophanation of +the _Sanctuary_, than contradiction, or misbelief of the doctrine of +_Sabatai_. But howsoever it fell out, _Pennia_ in short time becomes a +convert, and preaches up _Sabatai_ for the _Son_ of _God_, and +_deliverer_ of the _Jews_: and not onely he, but his whole family; his +daughters prophesie, and fall into strange extasies; and not onely his +house, but four hundred men and women prophesie of the growing kingdom +of _Sabatai_, and young infants who could yet scarce stammer out a +syllable to their mothers, repeat, and pronounce plainly the name of +_Sabatai_ the _Messiah_, and Son of God. For thus farr had God permitted +the devil to delude this people, that their very children were for a +time possessed, and voices heard to sound from their stomacks, and +intrails: those of riper years fell first into a trance, foamed at the +mouth, and recounted the future prosperitie, and deliverance of the +_Israelites_, their visions of the _Lion_ of _Judah_, and the triumphs +of _Sabatai_, all which were certainly true, being effects of +_Diabolical_ delusions: as the _Jews_ themselves since have confessed +unto me. + +With these concomitant accidents, and successes, _Sabatai Sevi_ growing +more presumptuous, that he might correspond with the Prophesies of +greatness, and dominion of the _Messiah_, proceeds to an election of +those Princes which were to govern the _Israelites_ in their march +towards the _Holy-Land_, and to dispence Judgement and Justice after +their Restoration. The names of them were these which follow, men well +known at _Smyrna_, who never (God knows) had ambition to aspire to the +title of Princes, until a strange spirit of deceit and delusion had +moved them, not onely to hope for it as possible, but to expect it as +certain. + + _Isaac Silvera._ King _David._ + _Salomon Lagnado._ was _Salomon._ + _Salom Lagnado_ jun. named _Zovah._ + _Joseph Cohen._ _Uzziah._ + _Moses Galente._ _Josaphat._ + _Daniel Pinto._ _Hilkiah._ + _Abraham Scandale._ _Jotham._ + _Mokiah Gaspar._ _Zedekiah._ + _Abraham Leon._ _Achas._ + _Ephraim Arditi._ _Joram._ + _Salom Carmona._ _Achab._ + _Matassia Aschenesi._ _Asa._ + _Meir Alcaira._ _Rehoboam._ + _Jacob Loxas._ _Ammon._ + _Mordecai Jesserun._ _Jehoachim._ + _Chaim Inegna._ _Jeroboam._ + _Joseph Scavillo._ _Abia._ + _Conor Nehemias._ was _Zarobabel._ + _Joseph del Caire._ named _Joas._ + _Elcukin Schavit._ _Amasia._ + _Abraham Rubio._ _Josiah._ + + _Elias Sevi_ had the title of the _King_ of the _king_ of _kings_. + _Elias Azar_ his _Vice-king_, or _Vizier._ + _Joseph Sevi_, the _king_ of the _kings_ of _Judah_. + _Joseph Inernuch_ his _vice-king_. + +In this manner things ran to a strange height of madness amongst the +_Jews_ at _Smyrna_, where appear'd such pageantry of greatness, that no +Comedy could equal the mock-shews they represented, and though none +durst openly profess any scruple, or doubt of this common received +belief, yet for confirmation of the _Jews_ in their Faith, and +astonishment of the _Gentiles_, it was judged no less than necessary +that _Sabatai_ should shew some miracles, whereby to evince to all the +World that he was the true _Messiah_: and as the present occasion seemed +to require an evidence infallible of this truth, so it was daily +expected by the vulgar, with an impatience sutable to humors disposed to +Noveltie; who out of every action and motion of their Prophet began to +fancy something extraordinary and supernatural. _Sabatai_ was now +horribly puzzled for a Miracle, though the imagination of the people was +so vitiated that any _legerdemaine_, or slight of hand would have +passed more easily with them for a wonder than _Moses_ striking the rock +for water, or dividing the _red sea_. And occasion happening that +_Sabatai_ was, in behalf of his Subjects, to appear before the _Cadi_, +or judge of the Citie to demand ease, and relief of some oppressions +which aggrieved them: It was thought necessary a Miracle should now or +never, when _Sabatai_ appearing with a formal and _pharisaical_ +gravitie, which he had starcht on: Some on a sudden avouched to see a +pillar of fire between him and the _Cadi_, which report presently was +heard through the whole room, filled with _Jews_ that accompanied +_Sabatai_, some of whom, who strongly fancied it, vow'd, and swore they +saw it; others in the outward yard, or that could not come near to hear, +or see for the crowd, as speedily took the alarm, and the rumour ran, +and belief receiv'd by the Women and Children at home in a moment, so +that _Sabatai Sevi_ returned to his house triumphant, fixed in the +hearts of his people, who now needed no further Miracles to confirm +them in their faith. And thus was _Sabatai_ exalted, when no man was +thought worthy of communication who did not believe him to be the +_Messiah_: others were called _Kophrim_, infidels or hereticks, liable +to the censure of excommunication, with whom it was not lawful so much +as to eat: every man produc'd his treasure, his Gold and Jewels, +offering them at the feet of _Sabatai_; so that he could have commanded +all the wealth of _Smyrna_, but he was too subtil to accept their money, +least he should render his design suspected by any act of covetousness. +_Sabatai Sevi_ having thus fully fixed himself in _Smyrna_, and filled +other places with rumors of his fame; declared that he was called by God +to visit _Constantinople_, where the greatest part of his work was to be +accomplisht; in order whereunto he privately ships himself, with some +few attendants in a _Turkish Saick_, in the Moneth of _January_ 1666. +least the crowd of his disciples, and such who would press to follow +him, should endanger him in the Eyes of the _Turks_, who already began +to be scandalized at the reports and prophesies concerning his person. +But though _Sabatai_ took few into the Vessel to him, yet a multitude of +_Jews_ travell'd over land to meet him again at _Constantinople_, on +whom all their Eyes and Expectations were intent. The wind proving +northernly, as commonly it is in the _Helespont_ and _Propontis_; +_Sabatai_ was thirtie nine days in his voyage, and yet the Vessel not +arriv'd, so little power had this _Messiah_ over the Sea and Winds, in +which time news being come to _Constantinople_ that the _Jews Messiah_ +was near, all that people prepared to receive him with the same Joy and +Impatience as was exprest in other parts where he arrived; the great +_Vizier_ (then also at _Constantinople_, being not yet departed on his +expedition for _Candia_) having heard some rumors of this man, and the +disorder and madness he had raised amongst the _Jews_; sent two Boats, +whil'st the _Saick_ was detained by contrary winds, with commands to +bring him up Prisoner to the Port, where accordingly _Sabatai_ being +come, was committed to the most loathsom and darkest Dungeon in the +Town, there to remain in farther expectation of the _Viziers_ sentence: +The _Jews_ were not at all discouraged at this ill treatment of their +prophet, but rather confirmed in their belief of him, as being the +accomplishment of the prophesie of those things which ought to precede +his glory and dominion; which consideration induc'd the chiefest persons +amongst the _Jews_ to make their visits and addresses to him with the +same ceremony and respect in the Dungeon as they would have done had he +then sat exalted on the throne of _Israel_: several of them, with one +_Anacago_, by name, a man of great esteem amongst the _Jews_, attended a +whole day before him, with their Eyes cast down, their bodies bending +forward, and hands crost before them (which are postures of humility, +and service in the Eastern Countreys) the undecency of the place, and +present subjection, not having in the least abated their high thoughts, +and reverence towards his person. The _Jews_ in _Constantinople_ were +now become as mad and distracted as they were in other places, all +trade and trafficque forbidden, and those who owed money, in no manner +careful how to satisfie it: amongst which wild crew some were indebted +to our Merchants at _Galata_, who not knowing the way to receive their +money, partly for their interest, and partly for curiosity thought fit +to visit this _Sabatai_, complayning that such particular _Jews_, upon +his coming, took upon them the boldness to defraud them of their right, +desired he would be pleased to signifie to these his Subjects, his +pleasure to have satisfaction given: whereupon _Sabatai_ with much +affectation took Pen and Paper, and wrote to this effect. + + To you of the Nation of the _Jews_, who expect the appearance of + the _Messiah_, and the Salvation of _Israel_, Peace without end. + Whereas we are informed that you are indebted to several of the + _English_ Nation: It seemeth right unto us to enorder you to + make satisfaction to these your just debts: which if you refuse + to do, and not obey us herein: Know you, that then you are not + to enter with us into our Joys and Dominions. + +In this manner _Sabatai Sevi_ remained a Prisoner at _Constantinople_ +for the space of two Moneths; at the end of which, the _Vizier_ having +designed his expedition for _Candia_; and considering the rumor and +disturbance the presence of _Sabatai_ had made already at +_Constantinople_, thought it not secure to suffer him to remain in the +Imperial Citie, whil'st both the _Grand Signior_ and himself were +absent: and therefore changes his prison to the _Dardanelli_, otherwise +called the _Castle_ of _Abydos_, being on the _Europe_ side of the +_Helespont_, opposite to _Sestos_, places famous in _Greek_ Poetrie. +This removal of _Sabatai_ from a worse Prison to one of a better air; +confirmed the _Jews_ with greater confidence of his being the +_Messiah_, supposing that had it been in the power of the _Vizier_, or +other Officers of the _Turks_, to have destroyed his person, they would +never have permitted him to have lived to that time, in regard their +_Maximes_ enforce them to quit all jealousies and suspitions of ruine to +their state by the death of the party feared, which much rather they +ought to execute on _Sabatai_, who had not onely declared himself the +_King_ of _Israel_, but also published Prophesies fatal to the _Grand +Signior_ and his Kingdoms. + +With this consideration, and others preceding, the _Jews_ flock in great +numbers to the _Castle_, where he was imprisoned, not onely from the +neighbouring parts, but also from _Poland_, _Germanie_, _Legorne_, +_Venice_, _Amsterdam_, and other places where the _Jews_ reside: on all +whom, as a reward of the expence, and labours of their pilgrimage, +_Sabatai_ bestowed plenty of his benedictions, promising encrease of +their store, and enlargement of their Possessions in the _Holy-Land_. +And so great was the confluence of the _Jews_ to this place, that the +_Turks_ thought it requisite to make their advantage thereof, and so +not onely raised the price of their Provision, Lodgings, and other +Necessaries, but also denied to admit any to the presence of _Sabatai_, +unless for money, setting the price, sometimes at five, sometimes at ten +_Dollers_, or more or less, according as they guessed at their +abilities, or zeal of the person, by which gain and advantage to the +_Turks_ no complaints or advices were carried to _Adrianople_, either of +the concourse of people, or arguments amongst the _Jews_ in that place; +but rather all civilities, and libertie indulged unto them, which served +as a farther argument to ensnare this poor people in the belief of their +_Messiah_. + +During this time of confinement, _Sabatai_ had leisure to compose and +institute a new method of Worship for the _Jews_, and principally the +manner of the celebration of the day of his _Nativity_, which he +prescribed in this manner. + + Brethren, and my People, men of _Religion_ inhabiting the _City_ + of _Smyrna_ the renowned, where live men, and women, and + families; Peace be unto you from the Lord of Peace, and from me + his beloved son, King _Salomon_. I command you that the ninth + day of the Moneth of _Ab_ (which according to our account + answered that year to the Moneth of _June_) next to come, you + make a day of Invitation, and of great Joy, celebrating it with + choice meats and pleasing drinks, with many Candles and Lamps, + with Musick and Songs, because it is the day of the Birth of + _Sabatai Sevi_, the high King above all kings of the Earth. And + as to matters of labour, and other things of like nature, do, as + becomes you, upon a day of Festival, adorned with your finest + garments. As to your Prayers, let the same order be used as upon + Festivals. To converse with _Christians_ on that day is + unlawful, though your Discourse be of matters indifferent, all + labour is forbidden, but to sound instruments is lawful. This + shall be the method and substance of your Prayers on this day of + Festival: After you have said, Blessed be thou, O holy God! then + proceed and say, Thou hast chosen us before all people, and + hast loved us, and hast been delighted with us, and hast humbled + us more than all other Nations, and hast sanctified us with thy + Precepts, and hast brought us near to thy service, and the + service of our King. Thy holy, great, and terrible Name thou + hast published amongst us: and hast given us, O Lord God, + according to thy love, time of Joy, of Festivals, and times of + Mirth, and this day of Consolation for a solemn Convocation of + Holiness, for the Birth of our King the _Messiah, Sabatai Sevi_ + thy servant, and first-born son in love, through whom we + commemorate our coming out of _Egypt_. And then you shall read + for your Lesson the 1, 2, and 3 Chapters of _Deut._ to the 17 + verse, appointing for the reading thereof five men, in a perfect + and uncorrupted Bible, adding thereunto the Blessings of the + Morning, as are prescribed for days of Festival: and for the + Lesson out of the Prophets usually read in the _Synagogue_ every + _Sabbath_: you shall read the 31 Chapt. of _Jeremiah_. To your + Prayer called _Mussaf_ (used in the _Synagogue_ every _Sabbath_ + and solemn Festival) you shall adjoyn that of the present + Festival; In stead of the sacrifice of Addition, of the + returning of the _Bible_ to its place, you shall read with an + Audible Voice, Clear Sound, the _Psalm_ 95. And at the first + Praises in the Morning, after you have Sang _Psalm_ 91, and just + before you Sing _Psalm_ 98, you shall repeate _Psalm_ 132 but in + the last Verse, where it is said, _As for his Enemies I shall + cloath them with shame, but upon himself shall his Crown + flourish_; in the place of (_upon himself_) you shall read _upon + the most High_: after which shall follow the 126 _Psalm_, and + then the 113 to the 119. + + At the Consecration of the Wine upon the Vigil, or Even, you + shall make mention of the Feast of Consolation, which is the day + of the Birth of our King the Messiah _Sabatai Sevi_ thy Servant, + and First-born Son, giving the Blessing as followeth: Blessed be + thou our God, King of the World, who hast made us to live, and + hast maintain'd us, and hast kept us alive unto this time. Upon + the Eve of this day you shall Read also the 81 _Psalm_, as also + the 132 and 126 _Psalmes_, which are appointed for the Morning + Praises. And this day shall be unto you for a Remembrance of a + Solemn Day unto eternal Ages, and a perpetual testimony between + me, and the Sons of _Israel_. + + _Audite Audiendo & manducate bonam._ + +Besides which Order, and Method of Prayers for Solemnization of his +Birth, he prescribed other Rules for Divine Service, and particularly +published the same Indulgence and Priviledge to every one who should +Pray at the Tomb of his Mother; as if he had taken on him a Pilgrimage +to Pray, and Sacrifice at _Jerusalem_. + +The Devotion of the _Jewes_ toward this pretended _Messiah_ increased +still more and more, so that onely the Chief of the City went to attend, +and proffer their service toward him in the time of his Imprisonment, +but likewise decked their _Synagogue_ with _S. S._ in Letters of Gold, +making for him on the Wall a Crown, in the Circle of which was wrote the +91 _Psalm_ at length, in faire and legible Characters; attributing the +same titles to _Sabatai_, and Expounding the _Scriptures_ in the same +manner in favour of his Appearance, as we do of our _Saviour_. However +some of the _Jewes_ remain'd in their Wits all this time, amongst which +was a certain _Chocham_ at _Smyrna_, one zealous of his Law, and of the +good and safety of his Nation: and observing in what a wilde manner the +whole People of the _Jewes_ was transported, with the groundless beliefe +of a _Messiah_, leaving not onely their Trade, and course of living, but +publishing Prophesies of a speedy Kingdome, of rescue from the Tyranny +of the _Turk_, and leading the Grand _Signior_ himself Captive in +Chaines; matters so dangerous and obnoxious to the State wherein they +lived, as might justly convict them of Treason and Rebellion, and leave +them to the Mercy of that Justice, which on the least jealousie and +suspicion of Matters of this nature, uses to extirpate Families, and +subvert the Mansion-houses of their own People, much rather of the +_Jewes_, on whom the _Turkes_ would gladly take occasion to dispoile +them of their Estates, and condemn the whole Nation to perpetual +slavery. And indeed it would have been a greater wonder then ever +_Sabatai_ shewed, that the _Turkes_ took no advantage from all these +extravagances, to dreine the _Jewes_ of a considerable Sum of Money, and +set their whole Race in _Turky_ at a Ransome, had not these Passages +yielded them matter of Pastime, and been the Subject of the _Turkes_ +Laughter and Scorne; supposing it a Disparagement to the greatness of +the _Ottoman_ Empire, to be concerned for the Rumors and Combustions of +this Dispersed People. With these considerations this _Chocham_, that he +might clear himself of the blood and guilt of his Countrey-men, and +concern'd in the common destruction, goes before the _Cadi_, and there +protests against the present Doctrine; Declaring, that he had no hand in +setting up of _Sabatai_, but was an Enemy both to him and to his whole +Sect. This freedome of the _Chocham_ so enraged and scandalized the +_Jewes_, that they judged no Condemnation or Punishment too severe +against such an Offender and Blasphemer of their Law, and Holiness of +the _Messiah_; and therefore with Money and Presents to the _Cadi_, +accusing him as Disobedient in a Capital nature to their Government, +obtain'd sentence against him, to have his Beard shaved, and to be +condemn'd to the _Gallies_. There wanted nothing now to the appearance +of the _Messiah_, and the solemnity of his coming, but the presence of +_Elias_, whom the _Jewes_ began to expect hourely, and with that +attention and earnestness, that every Dreame, or Phantasme to a weak +head was judged to be _Elias_; it being taught, and averred, that he was +seen in divers formes and shapes, not to be certainly discovered or +known, before the coming of the _Messiah_; for this superstition is so +far fixed amongst them, that generally in their Families they spread a +Table for _Elias_ the Prophet, to which they make an Invitation of Poor +people, leaving the chief place for the Lord _Elias_, whom they believe +to be invisibly present at the entertainment, and there to Eate, and +Drink, without dimunition, either of the Dishes, or of the Cup. One +person amongst the _Jewes_ commanded his Wife after a supper of this +kind, to leave the Cup filled with Wine, and the Meat standing all +night, for _Elias_ to Feast, and Rejoyce alone; And in the morning +arising early, affirmed, that _Elias_ took this Banquet so kindly, that +in token of gratitude, and acceptance, he had replenish'd the Cup with +Oyle, in stead of Wine. It is a certain Custome amongst the _Jewes_ on +the Evening of the _Sabbath_, to repeate certain Praises of God (called +_Havdila_) which signifies a distinction, or separation of the Sabbath +from the prophane dayes (as they call them) which Praises they observe +to performe in this manner. One takes a Cup filled with Wine, and drops +it through the whole House, saying, _Elias_ the Prophet, _Elias_ the +Prophet, _Elias_ the Prophet, come quickly to us with the _Messiah_, the +_Son_ of _God_, and _David_; and this they affirme to be so acceptable +to _Elias_, that he never failes to preserve that family, so devoted to +him, and augment it with the blessings of Increase. Many other things +the _Jewes_ avouch of _Elias_, so ridiculous, as are not fit to be +declar'd, amongst which this one is not far from our purpose, that at +the Circumcision there is alwayes a Chair set for _Elias_: And _Sabatai +Sevi_ being once Invited at _Smyrna_ to the Circumcision of the +First-borne Son of one _Abraham Gutiere_, a Kinsman of _Sabatai_, and +all things ready for the Ceremony, _Sabatai Sevi_ exhorted the Parents +of the Child to expect a while until his farther Order: After a good +halfe hour, _Sabatai_ order'd them to proceed and cut the _Prepuce_ of +the Child, which was instantly perform'd with all joy and satisfaction +to the Parents: and being afterwards demanded the reason why he retarded +the performance of that Function, his answer was, That _Elias_ had not +as yet taken his Seat, whom, as soon as he saw placed, he ordered them +to proceed; and that now shortly _Elias_ would discover himself openly, +and proclaime the newes of the general Redemption. + +This being the common Opinion amongst the _Jewes_, and that _Sabatai +Sevi_ was the _Messiah_, being become an Article of Faith, it was not +hard to perswade them, that _Elias_ was come already, that they met him +in their Dishes, in the darke, in their Bed chambers, or any where else +invisible, in the same manner as our common People in _England_ believe +of _Hobgoblins_, and _Fairies_. For so it was, when _Solomon Cremona_, +an Inhabitant of _Smyrna_, making a great Feast, to which the Principal +_Jewes_ of the _City_ were Invited, after they had eaten and drank +freely, one starts from his Seat, and avouches, that he saw _Elias_ upon +the Wall, and with that bowes to him, and Complements him with all +Reverence and humility: Some others having in like manner their Fancies +prepossessed, and their Eyes with the Fume of Wine ill prepared to +distinguish shadowes, immediately agreed upon the Object, and then there +was not one in the Company who would say he did not see him: at which +surprize every one was struck with reverence and awe; and the most +Eloquent amongst them, having their Tongues loosed with Joy, and Wine, +directed _Orations_, _Encomiums_, and acts of Thankfulness to _Elias_, +courting and complementing him, as distracted Lovers doe the supposed +presence of their Mistresses. Another _Jew_ at _Constantinople_ +reported, that he met _Elias_ in the Streets, habited like a _Turke_, +with whom he had a long Communication; and that he enjoyn'd the +Observation of many neglected Ceremonies, and particularly the _Zezit_, +_Numb._ 15. _v._ 38. _Speak unto the children of_ Israel, _and bid them +that they make_ Fringes _in the Borders of their Garments, throughout +their Generations, and that they put upon the Fringe of the Border a_ +Ribbon _of blue_. Also the _Peos_, Levit. 19. v. 27. _Ye shall not round +the corners of your Head, nor marr the corners of your Beard_: This +Apparition of _Elias_ being believed as soon as Published, every one +began to obey the Vision, by Fringing their Garments; and for their +Heads, though alwayes shaved, according to the _Turkish_ and Eastern +Fashion, and that the suffering Hair to grow, to men not accustomed, was +heavy, and incommodious to their healths and heads; yet to begin again +to renew, as far as was possible, the antient Ceremonies, every one +nourished a lock of hair on each side, which might be visible beneath +their Caps; which soon after began to be a Sign of distinction between +the _Believers_ and _Kophrims_, a name of dishonour, signifying as much +as _Unbelievers_; or _Hereticks_, given to those who confessed not +_Sabatai_ to be the _Messiah_; which particulars, if not observed, it +was declared, as a Menace of _Elias_, that the People of the _Jewes_, +who come from the River _Sabation_ as is specifyed in the second +_Esdras_, Chap. 13. shall take vengeance of those who are guilty of +these Omissions. + +But to return again to _Sabatai Sevi_ himself, we find him still +remaining a Prisoner in the _Castle_ of _Abydos_ upon the _Hellespont_, +admir'd and ador'd by his Brethren, with more honor then before, and +visited by Pilgrimes from all parts where the fame of the coming of the +_Messiah_ had arriv'd; amongst which one from _Poland_, named _Nehemiah +Cohen_, was of special note, and renown, learned in the _Hebrew_, +_Syriack_, and _Chaldee_, and versed in the Doctrine and _Kabala_ of the +_Rabines_, as well as _Sabatai_ himself, one (of whom it was said) had +not this _Sevi_ anticipated the Design, esteemed himself as able a +Fellow to Act the Part of a _Messiah_ as the other: Howsoever, it being +now too late to publish any such Pretence, _Sabatai_ having now eleven +Points of the Law by Possession of the Office, and with that the Hearts +and Belief of the _Jewes_: _Nehemiah_ was contented with some small +appendage, or Relation to a _Messiah_; and therefore to lay his Design +the better, desired a Private Conference with _Sabatai_: These two great +Rabbines being together, a hot Dispute arose between them; For _Cohen_ +alleadged that according to Scripture, and Exposition of the Learned +thereupon, there were to be two _Messiahs_, one called _Ben Ephraim_, +and the other _Ben David_: the first was to be a Preacher of the _Law_, +poor, and despised, and a Servant of the Second, and his Fore-runner; +the other was to be great and rich, to restore the _Jewes_ to +_Jerusalem_, to sit upon the Throne of _David_, and to performe and act +all those Triumphs and Conquests which were expected from _Sabatai_. +_Nehemiah_ was contented to be _Ben Ephraim_, the afflicted and poor +_Messiah_; And _Sabatai_ (for any thing I hear) was well enough +contented he should be so: but that _Nehemiah_ accused him for being too +forward in publishing himself the latter _Messiah_, before _Ben Ephraim_ +had first been known unto the World. _Sabatai_ took this reprehension +so ill, either out of pride, and thoughts of his own infallibility, or +that he suspected _Nehemiah_, being once admitted for _Ben Ephraim_, +would quickly (being a subtile and learned person) perswade the World +that he was _Ben David_, would by no means understand, or admit of this +Doctrine, or of _Ben Ephraim_ for a necessary Officer: And thereupon the +Dispute grew so hot, and the Controversie so irreconcileable, as was +taken notice of by the _Jewes_, and controverted amongst them, as every +one fancy'd: But _Sabatai_ being of greater Authority, his Sentence +prevail'd, and _Nehemiah_ was rejected, as _Schismatical_, and an Enemy +to the _Messiah_, which afterward proved the ruine and downfal of this +_Impostor_. + +For _Nehemiah_ being thus baffled, and being a person of Authority, and +a haughty Spirit, meditated nothing but revenge; to execute which to the +full, he takes a Journey to _Adrianople_, and there informes the Chief +Ministers of State, and Officers of the Court, who (by reason of the +gain the _Turks_ made of their Prisoner at the _Castle_ on the +_Hellespont_) heard nothing of all this Concourse of People, and +Prophesies of the Revolt of the _Jews_ from their Obedience to the +_Grand Signior_; and taking likewise to his _Counsel_ some certain +discontented and unbelieving _Chochams_, who being zealous for their +Nation, and jealous of the ill-consequences of this long-continued, and +increasing Madness, took liberty to informe the _Chimacham_ (who was +Deputy of the Great _Vizier_ then at _Candia_) that the _Jew_, Prisoner +at the _Castle_, called _Sabatai Sevi_, was a Lewd Person, and one who +indeavoured to debauch the mindes of the _Jewes_, and divert them from +their honest course of livelihood, and Obedience to the _Grand Signior_; +and that therefore it was necessary to clear the World of so Factious +and dangerous a Spirit: The _Chimacham_ being thus informed, could do no +less then acquaint the _Grand Signior_ with all the particulars of this +Mans Condition, Course of Life, and Doctrine; which were no sooner +understood, but a _Chiaux_, or _Messenger_, was immediately dispatched, +to bring up _Sabatai Sevi_ to _Adrianople_. The _Chiaux_ executed his +Commission after the _Turkish_ fashion in hast, and brought _Sabatai_ +in a few days to _Adrianople_, without further excuse or ceremony; not +affording him an hours space to take a solemn farewel of his Friends, +his Followers and Adorers; who now were come to the vertical point of +all their hopes and expectations. + +The _Grand Signior_ having by this time received divers informations of +the madness of the _Jews_, and the pretences of _Sabatai_; grew big with +desire and expectation to see him: so that he no sooner arrived at +_Adrianople_, but the same hour he was brought before the _Grand +Signior_: _Sabatai_ appeared much dejected, and failing of that courage +which he shewed in the _Synagogue_; and being demanded several Questions +in _Turkish_ by the _Grand Signior_, he would not trust so farr to the +vertue of his _Messiahship_, as to deliver himself in the _Turkish +Language_; but desired a _Doctor_ of _Physick_, (who had from a _Jew_ +turned _Turk_,) to be his interpreter, which was granted to him; but not +without reflection of the standers by; that had he been the _Messiah_, +and _Son of God_, as he formerly pretended, his tongue would have flown +with varietie, as well as with the perfection of Languages. But the +_Grand Signior_ would not be put off without a _Miracle_, and it must be +one of his own choice: which was, that _Sabatai_ should be stript naked, +and set as a mark to his dexterous Archers: if the Arrows passed not his +body, but that his flesh and skin was proof like armour, then he would +believe him to be the _Messiah_, and the person whom God had design'd to +those Dominions, and Greatnesses, he pretended. But now _Sabatai_ not +having faith enough to stand to so sharp a trial, renounced all his +title to Kingdoms and Governments, alledging that he was an ordinary +_Chocham_, and a poor _Jew_, as others were, and had nothing of +Priviledge, or Vertue above the rest. The _Grand Signior_ +notwithstanding, not wholly satisfied with this plain confession, +declared, that having given publique scandal to the Professors of the +_Mahometan_ religion, and done dishonour to his Soveraign authoritie, by +pretending to draw such a considerable portion from him, as the Land of +_Palestine_; his treason and crime was not to be expiated by any other +means then by a conversion to the _Mahometan_ faith, which if he refus'd +to do, the stake was ready at the gate of the _Seraglio_ to empale him. +_Sabatai_ being now reduced to extremitie of his latter game; not being +the least doubtful what to do; for to die for what he was assured was +false, was against nature, and the death of a mad man: replyed with much +chearfulness, that he was contented to turn _Turk_, and that it was not +of force, but of choice, having been a long time desirous of so glorious +a Profession, he esteemed himself much honored, that he had opportunity +to own it; first in the presence of the _Grand Signior_. And here was +the _non plus ultra_ of all the bluster and noise of this vain Impostor. +And now the _Reader_ may be pleased to pause a while and contemplate the +strange point of consternation, shame, and silence, to which the _Jews_ +were reduc't, when they understood how speedily their hopes were +vanished, and how poorly and ignominiously all their fancies and +promises of a new Kingdom, their _Pageantry_, and Offices of Devotion, +were past like a tale, or a midnights dream: And as this was concluded, +and the _Jews_ sunk on a sudden, and fallen flat in their hopes, without +so much as a line of comfort, or excuse from _Sabatai_; more than in +general, to all the brethren. That now they should apply themselves to +their Callings and services of God, as formerly, for that matters +relating unto him were finished and the sentence past. The news that +_Sabatai_ was turned _Turk_, and the _Messiah_ to a _Mahumetan_, quickly +filled all parts of _Turky_. The _Jews_ were strangely surprized at it, +and ashamed of their easie belief, of the arguments with which they had +perswaded one the other, and of the Proselytes they had made in their +own families. Abroad they became the common derision of the Towns where +they inhabited: the Boys shouted after them, coyning a new word at +_Smyrna_ (_Ponftai_) which every one seeing a _Jew_, with a finger +pointed out, would pronounce with scorn and contempt: so that this +deceived people for a long time after remained with confusion, silence, +and dejection of spirit. And yet most of them affirm that _Sabatai_ is +not turned _Turk_, but his shadow onely remains on earth, and walks with +a white head, and in the habit of a _Mahumetan_: but that his natural +body and soul are taken into heaven, there to reside until the time +appointed for accomplishment of these wonders: and this opinion began so +commonly to take place, as if this people resolved never to be +undeceived, using the forms and rules for Devotion prescribed them by +their _Mahumetan Messiah_: Insomuch that the _Chochams_ of +_Constantinople_, fearing the danger of this error might creep up, and +equal the former, condemned the belief of _Sabatai_ being _Messiah_, as +damnable, and enjoyned them to return to the antient Method and Service +of God upon pain of _Excommunication_. The style and tenure of them was +as followeth. + + _To you who have the power of Priesthood, and are the knowing, + learned, and magnanimous Governours and Princes, residing in the + Citie of_ Smyrna, _may the Almighty God protect you_, Amen: _for + so is his will_. + + These our Letters, which we send in the midst of your + habitations, are upon occasion of certain rumors and tumults + come to our ears from that Citie of your Holiness. For there is + a sort of men amongst you, who fortifie themselves in their + error, and say, let such a one our King, live, and bless him in + their publique _Synagogues_ every _Sabbath day_: + + [Sidenote: The _Jews_ scruple to say, the _head_ of _Israel_.] + + And also adjoyn Psalms and Hymns, invented by that man, for + certain days, with Rules and Methods for Prayer, which ought not + to be done, and yet they will still remain obstinate therein; + and now behold it is known unto you, how many swelling Waters + have passed over our Souls, for his sake, for had it not been + for the Mercies of God, which are without end, and the merit of + our forefathers, which hath assisted us; the _foot_ of _Israel_ + had been razed out by their enemies. And yet you continue + obstinate in things which do not help, but rather do mischief, + which God avert. Turn you therefore, for this is not the true + way, but restore the Crown to the antient custom and use of + your forefathers, and the law, and from thence do not move; We + command you that with your authoritie, under pain of + _Excommunication_, and other penalties, that all those + Ordinances and Prayers, as well those delivered by the mouth of + that man, as those which he enjoyned by the mouth of others, be + all abolished and made void, and to be found no more, and that + they never enter more into your hearts, but judge according to + the antient commandment of your Forefathers, repeating the same + Lessons and Prayers every _Sabbath_, as hath been accustomary, + as also _Collects_ for Kings, Potentates, and anointed, &c. And + bless the King, _Sultan Mahomet_, for in his days hath great + Salvation been wrought for _Israel_, and become not Rebels to + his Kingdom, which God forbid. For after all this, which is + past, the least motion will be a cause of jealousie, and you + will bring ruine upon your own persons, and upon all which is + near and dear to you, wherefore abstain from the thoughts of + this man, and let not so much as his name proceed out of your + mouths. For know, if you will not obey us herein, which will be + known, who, and what those men are, who refuse to conform unto + us, we are resolved to prosecute them, as our duty is. He that + doth hear, and obey us, may the Blessing of God rest upon him. + These are the words of those who seek your Peace and Good, + having in _Constantinople_, on _Sunday_ the fifth of the Moneth + _Sevat_, underwrot their names. + + _Joam Tob_ son of _Chananiah Ben-Jacar_. + _Isaac Alnacagna._ + _Joseph Kazabi._ + _Manasseh Barndo._ + _Kalib_ son of _Samuel_. + _Eliezer Castie._ + _Eliezer Gherson._ + _Joseph Accohen._ + _Eliezer Aluff._ + +During the time of all these transactions and passages at +_Constantinople_, _Smyrna_, _Abydos_, upon the _Helespont_, and +_Adrianople_, the _Jews_ leaving their Merchantile course, and advices, +what prizes commodities bear and matters of Traffique, stuffed their +Letters for _Italy_ and other parts, with nothing but wonders and +miracles wrought by their false _Messiah_. As then when the _Grand +Signior_ sent to take him, he caused all the Messengers immediately to +die, upon which other _Janizaries_ being again sent, they all fell dead +with a word only from his mouth; and being desired to revive them again, +he immediately recall'd them to life; but of them onely such who were +true _Turks_, and not those who had denied that faith in which they were +born, and had profest. After this they added, that he went voluntarily +to prison, and though the gates were barr'd and shut with strong Locks +of Iron, yet that _Sabatai_ was seen to walk through the streets with a +numerous attendance, and when they laid Shackles on his neck and feet, +they not onely fell from him, but were converted into Gold, with which +he gratified his true and faithful believers and disciples. Some +Miracles also were reported of _Nathan_, that onely at reading the name +of any particular man, or woman, he would immediately recount the Story +of his, or her life, their sins or defaults, and accordingly impose just +correction and penance for them. These strong reports coming thus +confidently into _Italy_ and all parts, the _Jews_ of _Casel di +Monferrato_ resolved to send three persons in behalf of their society, +in the nature of extraordinary _Legates_, to _Smyrna_, to make inquiry +after the truth of all these rumors, who accordingly arriving in +_Smyrna_, full of expectation and hopes, intending to present themselves +with great Humility and Submission before their _Messiah_ and his +Prophet _Nathan_, were entertain'd with the sad news, that _Sabatai_ was +turned _Turk_, by which information the Character of their _Embassy_ in +a manner ceasing, every one of them laying aside the formalitie of his +function, endeavoured to lodge himself best to his own convenience. But +that they might return to their brethren at home, with the certain +particulars of the Success of the affairs, they made a visit to the +brother of _Sabatai_; who still continued to perswade them, that +_Sabatai_ was notwithstanding the true _Messiah_, that it was not he who +had taken on him the habit and form of a _Turk_, but his _Angel_ or +_Spirit_, his body being ascended into Heaven, until God shall again see +the season, and time to restore it, adding further, that an effect +hereof they should see by the prophet _Nathan_, certified, now every day +expected, who having wrought _Miracles_ in many places, would also for +their Consolation, reveal hidden secrets unto them, with which they +should not onely remain satisfied, but astonished. With this onely hope +of _Nathan_, these _Legates_ were a little comforted, resolving to +attend his arrival, in regard they had a Letter to consign into his +hands, and according to their instructions, were to demand of him the +grounds he had for his Prophesies, and what assurance he had, that he +was divinely inspir'd, and how these things were reveal'd unto him, +which he had committed to Paper, and dispersed to all parts of the +World. At length _Nathan_ arrives near _Smyrna_, on Friday the third of +_March_, towards the Evening, and on _Sunday_ these _Legates_ made their +visit to him: But _Nathan_, upon news of the success of his beloved +_Messiah_, began to grow sullen and reserved; So that the _Legates_ +could scarce procure admittance to him; all that they could do was to +inform him, that they had a Letter to him from the brother-hood of +_Italy_, and commission to conferr with him concerning the foundation +and authority he had for his prophesies; but _Nathan_ refused to take +the Letter, ordering _Kain Abolafio_ a _Chocham_ of the City of _Smyrna_ +to receive it; so that the _Legates_ returned ill contented, but yet +with hopes at _Nathan_'s arrival at _Smyrna_ to receive better +satisfaction. + +But whilst _Nathan_ intended to enter into _Smyrna_, the _Chochams_ of +_Constantinople_, being before advised of his resolution to take a +Journey into their parts, not knowing by which way he might come, sent +their Letters and Orders to _Smyrna_, _Prussia_, and every way round, to +hinder his passage, and interrupt his journey; fearing that things +beginning now to compose, the _Turks_ appeas'd for the former disorders, +and the minds of the _Jews_ in some manner setled, might be moved, and +combustions burst out afresh, by the appearance of this new _Impostor_; +And therefore dispatched this Letter as followeth. + + _To you who are the Shepherds of Israel, and Rulers, who reside + for the great God of the whole World, in the_ Citie _of_ Smyrna, + _which is_ Mother _in_ Israel, _to her Princes, her Priests, her + Judges, and especially to the perfect wise men, and of great + experience, may the Lord God cause you to live before him, and + delight in the multitude of Peace_, Amen, _so be the will of the + Lord_. + + These our Letters are dispatched unto you, to let you + understand, that in the place of your Holiness, we have heard + that the learned man, which was in _Gaza_, called _Nathan_, + _Benjamin_, hath published Vaine Doctrines, and made the World + Tremble at his Words and Inventions; And that at this time we + have receiv'd Advice, that this man some dayes since, departed + from _Gaza_, and took his Journey by the way of _Scanderone_, + intending there to Imbarke for _Smyrna_, and thence to go to + _Constantinople_, or _Adrianople_: And though it seem a strange + thing unto us, that any Man should have a desire to throw + himself into a place of Flames, and Fire, and into the Sparkes + of _Hell_; notwithstanding we ought to fear, and suspect it; + _For the Feet of Man alwayes guide him to the worst_: Wherefore + we Under-written do Advertise you, that this Man coming within + the compass of your Jurisdiction, you give a stop to his + Journey, and not suffer him to proceed farther, but presently to + return back. For we would have you know, that at his coming, he + will again begin to move those Tumults, which have been caused + through the Imaginations of a New Kingdome; _And that Miracles + are not to be Wrought every day_. + + God forbid that by his coming the People of God should be + destroy'd in all places where they are, of which he will be the + first, whose Blood be upon his own Head: For in this + Conjuncture, every little Error or Fault is made Capital. You + may remember the Danger of the first Combustion: And it is very + probable that he will be an occasion of greater, which the + Tongue is not able to express with Words. And therefore by + Vertue of Ours, and Your own Authority, you are to hinder him + from proceeding farther in his Journey, upon paine of all those + Excommunications which Our _Law_ can Impose, and to force him to + return back again, both he, and his Company. But if he shall in + any manner Oppose you, and Rebel against your Word, your + Indeavours and Law are sufficient to hinder him, for it will be + well for him and all _Israel_. + + For the Love of God, let these Words enter into your Eares, + since they are not vain things; for the Lives of all the + _Jewes_, and his also, consist therein. And the Lord God behold + from Heaven, and have pitty upon his People _Israel_, Amen. So + be his holy Will: Written by those who seek your Peace. + + _Joam Tob_, Son of _Chanania Jacar_. + _Moise Benveniste._ + _Caleb_ Son of _Chocham, Samuel_ deceased. + _Isaac Aloenacagne._ + _Joseph Kazabi._ + _Samuel Acazsine._ + _Moise Barndo._ + _Elihezer Aluff._ + _Jehoshuah Raphael Benveniste._ + +By these meanes _Nathan_ being disappointed of his Wandring Progress, +and partly ashamed of the event of Things contrary to his Prophesie, +was resolved, without entring _Smyrna_, to returne again: Howsoever he +obtained leave to visit the _Sepulcher_ of his _Mother_, and there to +receive Pardon of his Sins (according to the Institution of _Sabatai_ +before mentioned) but first washed himself in the Sea, in manner of +Purification, and said his _Tephilla_, or _Prayers_, at the Fountain, +called by us the Fountain _Sancta Veneranda_, which is near to the +_Cymetry_ of the _Jewes_, and then departed for _Zion_ with two +Companions, a Servant, and three _Turks_, to conduct him, without +admitting the _Legates_ to Audience, or answering the Letter which was +sent him, from all the Communities of the _Jewes_ in _Italy_. And thus +the Embassy of these Legates was concluded, and they returned from the +place from whence they came, and the _Iewes_ again to their Wits, +following their Trade of Merchandize and Brokage as formerly, with more +quiet, and advantage, then the meanes of regaining their Possessions in +the Land of Promise. And thus ended this mad _Phrensie_ amongst the +_Iewes_, which might have cost them dear, had not _Sabatai_ Renounce't +his _Messiaship_ at the Feet of _Mahomet_. + +THE END + + + + +THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY + +WILLIAM ANDREWS CLARK +MEMORIAL LIBRARY +UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. LOS ANGELES + +PUBLICATIONS IN PRINT + +[Illustration: Decoration] + +1948-1949 +16. Henry Nevil Payne, _The Fatal Jealousie_ (1673). +18. Anonymous, "Of Genius," in _The Occasional Paper_, Vol. III, No. 10 +(1719), and Aaron Hill, Preface to _The Creation_ (1720). + +1949-1950 +19. Susanna Centlivre, _The Busie Body_ (1709). +20. Lewis Theobald, _Preface to the Works of Shakespeare_ (1734). +22. Samuel Johnson, _The Vanity of Human Wishes_ (1749), and two +_Rambler_ papers (1750). +23. John Dryden, _His Majesties Declaration Defended_ (1681). + +1950-1951 +26. Charles Macklin, _The Man of the World_ (1792). + +1951-1952 +31. Thomas Gray, _An Elegy Wrote in a Country Churchyard_ (1751), and +_The Eton College Manuscript_. + +1952-1953 +41. Bernard Mandeville, _A Letter to Dion_ (1732). + +1962-1963 +98. _Select Hymns Taken Out of Mr. Herbert's Temple_ (1697). + +1963-1964 +104. Thomas D'Urfey, _Wonders in the Sun_; or, _The Kingdom of the +Birds_ (1706). + +1964-1965 +110. John Tutchin, _Selected Poems_ (1685-1700). +111. Anonymous, _Political Justice_ (1736). +112. Robert Dodsley, _An Essay on Fable_ (1764). +113. T. R., _An Essay Concerning Critical and Curious Learning_ (1698). +114. _Two Poems Against Pope_: Leonard Welsted, _One Epistle to Mr. A. +Pope_ (1730), and Anonymous, _The Blatant Beast_ (1742). + +1965-1966 +115. Daniel Defoe and others, _Accounts of the Apparition of Mrs. Veal_. +116. Charles Macklin, _The Covent Garden Theatre_ (1752). +117. Sir George L'Estrange, _Citt and Bumpkin_ (1680). +118. Henry More, _Enthusiasmus Triumphatus_ (1662). +119. Thomas Traherne, _Meditations on the Six Days of the Creation_ +(1717). +120. Bernard Mandeville, _Aesop Dress'd or a Collection of Fables_ +(1704). + +1966-1967 +122. James MacPherson, _Fragments of Ancient Poetry_ (1760). +123. Edmond Malone, _Cursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Mr. +Thomas Rowley_ (1782). +124. Anonymous, _The Female Wits_ (1704). +125. Anonymous, _The Scribleriad_ (1742). Lord Hervey, _The Difference +Between Verbal and Practical Virtue_ (1742). +126. _Le Lutrin: an Heroick Poem, Written Originally in French by +Monsieur Boileau: Made English by N. O._ (1682). + + * * * * * + +Subsequent publications may be checked in the annual prospectus. + +Publications #1 through 90, of the first fifteen years of Augustan +Reprint Society, are available in bound units at $14.00 per unit of six +from: + + KRAUS REPRINT CORPORATION + 16 East 46th Street + New York, N.Y. 10017 + +Publications in print are available at the regular membership rate of +$5.00 yearly. Prices of single issues may be obtained upon request. + + + + +William Andrews Clark Memorial Library: +University of California, Los Angeles + +THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY + +_General Editors_: George Robert Guffey, +University of California, Los Angeles; + +Maximillian E. Novak, University of California, Los Angeles; +Robert Vosper, William Andrews Clark Memorial Library. + +_Corresponding Secretary_: +Mrs. Edna C. Davis, William Andrews Clark Memorial Library. + + The Society's purpose is to publish reprints (usually facsimile + reproductions) of rare seventeenth and eighteenth century works. + All income of the Society is devoted to defraying costs of + publication and mailing. + + Correspondence concerning memberships in the United States and + Canada should be addressed to the William Andrews Clark Memorial + Library, 2520 Cimarron St., Los Angeles, California. + Correspondence concerning editorial matters may be addressed to + any of the general editors at the same address. Manuscripts of + introductions should conform to the recommendations of the MLA + _Style Sheet_. The membership fee is $5.00 a year in the United + States and Canada and 30/- in Great Britain and Europe. British + and European prospective members should address B. H. Blackwell, + Broad Street, Oxford, England. Copies of back issues in print + may be obtained from the Corresponding Secretary. + + +PUBLICATIONS FOR 1967-1968 + +127-128. Charles Macklin, _A Will and No Will, or a Bone for the +Lawyers_ (1746). _The New Play Criticiz'd, or The Plague of Envy_ +(1747). Introduction by Jean B. Kern. +129. Lawrence Echard, Prefaces to _Terence's Comedies_ (1694) and +_Plautus's Comedies_ (1694). Introduction by John Barnard. +130. Henry More, _Democritus Platonissans_ (1646). Introduction by P. G. +Stanwood. +131. John Evelyn, _The History of ... Sabatai Sevi ... The Suppos'd +Messiah of the Jews_ (1669). Introduction by Christopher W. Grose. +132. Walter Harte, _An Essay on Satire, Particularly on the Dunciad_ +(1730). Introduction by Thomas B. Gilmore. + + +ANNOUNCEMENTS: + + Next in the series of special publications by the Society will + be a volume including Elkanah Settle's _The Empress of Morocco_ + (1673) with six plates; _Notes and Observations on the Empress + of Morocco_ (1674) by John Dryden, John Crowne and Thomas + Shadwell; _Notes and Observations on the Empress of Morocco + Revised_ (1674) by Elkanah Settle; and _The Empress of Morocco. + A Farce_ (1674) by Thomas Duffet, with an Introduction by + Maximillian E. Novak. Already published in this series are + reprints of John Ogilby's _The Fables of Aesop Paraphras'd in + Verse_ (1668), with an Introduction by Earl Miner and John Gay's + _Fables_ (1727, 1738), with an Introduction by Vinton A. + Dearing. Publication is assisted by funds from the Chancellor of + the University of California, Los Angeles. Price to members of + the Society, $2.50 for the first copy and $3.25 for additional + copies. Price to non-members, $4.00. + + +THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY +William Andrews Clark Memorial Library +2520 CIMARRON STREET AT WEST ADAMS BOULEVARD, +LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90018 + +Make check or money order payable to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF +CALIFORNIA. + + * * * * * + + +Transcriber's Notes + +Obvious punctuation errors repaired. + +Illegible and missing letters repaired from the context. + +Third page of "To the Reader": "Transastions" changed to "Transactions" +(most of these Transactions). + +Hyphen removed: "fore[-]fathers" (p. 60). + +Page 45: "Tamnz" changed to "Tamuz". + +Page 46: "Kislen" changed to "Kislev". + +Page 47: "Cælestial" changed to "Coelestial". + +Page 66: duplicate "with" deleted (passed more easily with them). + +Page 72: "Jewt" changed to "Jews" (where the Jews reside). + +Page 78: "Chochan" changed to "Chocham". + +Page 79: "Cocham" changed to "Chocham". + +Page 82: "assoon" changed to "as soon" (as soon as he saw placed). + +Page 99: "Merchantlie" changed to "Merchantile" (leaving their +Merchantile course). + +Page 110: "Xio" changed to "Zion", although this is far from certain. + +Page 110: "rerurned" changed to "returned" (they returned from the +place). + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The History of Sabatai Sevi, by John Evelyn + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF SABATAI SEVI *** + +***** This file should be named 38327-8.txt or 38327-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/8/3/2/38327/ + +Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Moti Ben-Ari and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The History of Sabatai Sevi + The Suppos'd Messiah of the Jews + +Author: John Evelyn + +Editor: Christopher W. Grose + +Release Date: December 17, 2011 [EBook #38327] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF SABATAI SEVI *** + + + + +Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Moti Ben-Ari and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 755px;"> +<img src="images/cover.png" width="755" height="1200" alt="Cover" title="" /> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h3>The Augustan Reprint Society</h3> +<h2>JOHN EVELYN</h2> +<h1>THE HISTORY OF SABATAI SEVI,<br /> +<i>The Suppos'd Messiah</i> OF THE JEWS.</h1> + +<div class="center">(1669)</div> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="center"> +<i>Introduction by</i><br /> +<span class="smcap">Christopher W. Grose</span> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="center">PUBLICATION NUMBER 131<br /> +WILLIAM ANDREWS CLARK MEMORIAL LIBRARY<br /> +<span class="smcap">University of California, Los Angeles</span><br /> +1968 +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="center"> +GENERAL EDITORS<br /> +<br /> +George Robert Guffey, <i>University of California, Los Angeles</i><br /> +Maximillian E. Novak, <i>University of California, Los Angeles</i><br /> +Robert Vosper, <i>William Andrews Clark Memorial Library</i><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +ADVISORY EDITORS<br /> +<br /> +Richard C. Boys, <i>University of Michigan</i><br /> +James L. Clifford, <i>Columbia University</i><br /> +Ralph Cohen, <i>University of Virginia</i><br /> +Vinton A. Dearing, <i>University of California, Los Angeles</i><br /> +Arthur Friedman, <i>University of Chicago</i><br /> +Louis A. Landa, <i>Princeton University</i><br /> +Earl Miner, <i>University of California, Los Angeles</i><br /> +Samuel H. Monk, <i>University of Minnesota</i><br /> +Everett T. Moore, <i>University of California, Los Angeles</i><br /> +Lawrence Clark Powell, <i>William Andrews Clark Memorial Library</i><br /> +James Sutherland, <i>University College, London</i><br /> +H. T. Swedenberg, Jr., <i>University of California, Los Angeles</i><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +CORRESPONDING SECRETARY<br /> +<br /> +Edna C. Davis, <i>William Andrews Clark Memorial Library</i> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[i]</a></span></p> +<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2> + +<div class="poem"> +<i>And you should if you please refuse<br /> +Till the conversion of the Jews.</i><br /> +</div> + + +<p>The reader of John Evelyn's <i>History of Sabatai Sevi, The Pretended +Messiah of the Jewes</i> or of the <i>History of the Three Late +Famous Impostors</i> (1669) in which it is the most significant part, +discovers a fascinating, if unoriginal, addition to the work of the +great diarist and dilettante, the amateur student of engraving and +trees—and smoke. Evelyn's work was almost totally derived from +the account of Sir Paul Rycaut, who was from 1661 secretary (and +later consul) for the Levant mercantile company in Smyrna. Rycaut +was in fact responsible for what first-hand reporting there is in the +<i>History</i>, and Evelyn's book preceded by only eleven years Rycaut's +<i>History of the Turkish Empire 1623-1677</i>, where the story first appeared +under the author's own name.</p> + +<p>What gives Evelyn's <i>Pretended Messiah</i> its own interest is +partly the immediacy of the news of Sabatai Sevi, and partly the context +in which Evelyn places the story, a context to some extent indicated +in the title, <i>History of the Three Late Famous Impostors</i>. +When the work was published in 1669, Sevi was neither the amusing +curiosity he is likely to be for the modern reader, nor the impertinent +confidence man suggested by Evelyn's "impostor." Evelyn +was reviewing for an English audience one of the great crises in +Jewish history, the career of the man who has been called Judaism's +"most notorious messianic claimant."<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> That career was not entirely +past history in 1669. Sevi lived until 1675, and even after his humiliation +and final banishment in 1673 he could write to his father-in-law +in Salonica that men would see in his lifetime the day of redemption +and the return of the Jews to Zion; "For God hath appointed +me Lord of all Mizrayim."<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> Indeed, a remnant of Judaeo-Turkish<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[ii]</a></span> +Shabbethaians called Dönmehs apparently exists in Salonica +to the present day.</p> + +<p>Whatever the appeal of Sevi's story may be for modern readers—as +a mode of fiction, perhaps, or an instance of mass hysteria—Evelyn's +discovery of an exemplum for religious and political enthusiasts +may seem forced or reductive. In 1669, however, the interest +of Englishmen in Jewish affairs was by no means merely +academic—or narrowly commercial. There were, it is true, English +sportsmen in 1666 who were actually betting on the Sevi career—ten +to one that the "Messiah of Ismir" would be crowned King of +Jerusalem within two years. And what was most disturbing about +Sevi to the English nation as a whole was perhaps the disruption +of trade, in which Sevi's father was intimately involved, as the +agent of an English mercantile house. At the height of the furor, +Jewish merchants were dissolving businesses as well as unroofing +their houses in preparation for the return to Jerusalem. But the +prime significance for Evelyn—perhaps more than for Rycaut—is +revealed in the instinctive mental connection between Jewish and +Christian history, or ways of thinking about history, on the one +hand, and political realities in England on the other. Only nine +years had passed since the return of Charles II and the displacement +of the Protectorate, with its remarkable Jewish elements. As +for the return of the Christian Messiah and an imminent reign of +the saints, Sevi might well have reminded Evelyn of the English +"impostor," the Quaker Jacob Naylor, whose messianic claims were +publicly examined at Bristol in 1657. Far more important to Englishmen +of the period, however, was the episode involving the mission +of the Amsterdam rabbi Menasseh ben Israel to Cromwell's +England in 1655, a year after Naylor's first appearance.</p> + +<p>For two centuries after their expulsion from England by Edward +I—that is, until the seventeenth century—Jews either avoided +England entirely or lived there in deliberate obscurity. Some Spanish +and Portuguese Jewish refugees from the Inquisition did arrive +in England; but particularly after the execution for treason of Elizabeth's +physician Roderigo Lopez in 1594, they could remain only +as "Crypto-Jews." It was during the Puritan regime that the Jewish +position in England really improved, and the removal of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[iii]</a></span> +legal bar dates from the conference summoned by Cromwell in response +to the demands of Menasseh.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> The interest in Rabbinical +literature displayed by learned men like Joseph Scaliger, Johann +Buxtorf, Hugo Grotius, and John Selden, together with a general +Old Testament emphasis in Protestant scriptural study, made Judaism +a more fashionable interest than it had been in previous years. +Cromwell's own encouragement of Menasseh is usually viewed as +an expression of his tolerationist principles and the hope that the +return of Jews to England would aid in extending trade with Spain +and Portugal, and even with the Levant. An additional facet of +his general reception of Menasseh is relevant to Evelyn's <i>Pretended +Messiah</i>. A chief argument in <i>The Humble Address of Menasseh +ben Israel</i> (November 5, 1655) was the Amsterdam rabbi's belief +that since England was the only country rejecting the Jews, their +readmittance would be the signal for the coming of the Messiah. +Fifth-Monarchy enthusiasts recalled the prophecies of <i>Daniel</i> and +<i>Revelations</i> and linked them with the relatively immediate experience +of the Thirty Years' War; motives of mercantile jealousy were +to some extent offset by millenarian anxiety. Indeed, the possibility +of an imminent millennial reign of the saints could be the strongest +kind of argument for showing favor to the Jews. Cromwell all +but proselytized at the meetings of the conference; ultimately, because +of the opposition of commercial interests, he was forced to +dissolve it.</p> + +<p>We can perhaps best understand Evelyn's account of Sabatai +Sevi, "the Messiah of Ismir," against this background of English +Protestant millennial thinking, admirably summarized in Michael +Fixler's recent study.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> As Fixler suggests, it was possibly to +discredit the Fifth-Monarchy men that Rycaut first included the account +in what was to become his <i>History of the Turkish Empire</i>. +At any rate, Sevi himself was hardly the mere con-man Rycaut and +Evelyn portray; the mask, indeed, is <i>erepta</i> only with the greatest +of difficulty. Because Rycaut was interested in trade and cultural +<i>mores</i>, his (and consequently, Evelyn's) account neglects features +of the story which are of primary interest to more psychologically +inclined readers. We are told almost nothing, for example, of the +details of Sevi's solitary youth; his physical attractiveness; his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[iv]</a></span> +clear voice as well suited to lascivious Spanish love-songs (interpreted +mystically) as to Psalms; and his early rejection of the +Talmud for the practical Cabala, with its strenuous, self-mortifying +asceticism. One would gather from Evelyn that only the deluded +followers of the "impostor" and not Sevi himself imposed such punishments +as self-burial, and bathing in the sea, even in midwinter. +More surprising, perhaps, is the almost total neglect of Sarah, Sevi's +third wife, mentioned in the <i>Pretended Messiah</i> only as the "Ligornese +Lady" whom Sevi acquired after freeing himself "from the +Incumbrances of a Family." In fact, the beautiful and engaging +Sarah seems to have become an integral part of the movement, a +movement which in its early stages was all-male. A prostitute notorious +in her own right, primarily for her claims to be the destined +bride of the Messiah, Sarah apparently escaped miraculously from +a Christian convent after being cared for as an orphan of the savage +Chmielnicki massacres in Poland. As he was later to do with +a more formidable rival to his exclusive claims (Nehemiah ha-Kohen, +who ultimately exposed him as a fraud) Sevi called Sarah to Cairo +in 1664, claiming to have dreamed of her as <i>his</i> future bride. Eventually, +after his "conversion," she followed him even into the Turkish +seraglio where he bore the title Mahmed Effendi.</p> + +<p>Other details are missing from Evelyn's <i>Pretended Messiah</i>; +the interested reader may pursue the strange tale in Graetz's <i>History +of the Jews</i> or the partly fictionalized biography by Joseph +Kastein, <i>The Messiah of Ismir</i>.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> We may note in passing one additional +incident. After his first banishment from Smyrna (as a result +of pronouncing the sacred tetragrammaton in Hebrew), Sevi +met the mystic Abraham ha-Yakini, who subsequently forged in archaic +characters and style a document entitled "The Great Wisdom +of Solomon"—a document accepted by Sevi as an authentic "archeological" +revelation. The event was shortly followed by a bizarre +celebration of Sevi's marriage as the Son of God ("En Sof") with +the Torah, and may have provided climactic metaphysical confirmation +of Sevi's hopes. In the manner of the old apocalypses, it pronounced +Sevi the "saviour of My people, Israel," one who in time +"shall overthrow the great dragon and kill the serpent."<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p> + +<p>Good as Evelyn's <i>Pretended Messiah</i> may have been for contemporaries<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[v]</a></span> +as a review of recent "news," and we must not underestimate +this function, to the modern reader it seems closer to fiction, +of a peculiarly propagandistic and ironic kind. Aside from +omissions from the story—partly a matter of ignorance or failure in +perception, and partly deliberate exclusion of inconvenient material—Evelyn's +enthusiastic acceptance of his source's frequent theatrical +metaphors is one measure of the distance from history of the +<i>Pretended Messiah</i>. When Evelyn's Sevi is grave, it is a "formal +and pharisaical gravitie" which is "starcht on." His motives in +general seem highly conscious, even deliberate; and despite a certain +doubleness in the point of view of the <i>Pretended Messiah</i>, the +reason for Sevi's comic simplicity is not difficult to discover. Sir +Paul Rycaut, as I have suggested, seems primarily interested in the +effects of the movement on trade. The most vehement thinking of +the book, though ascribed to an unnamed opponent of Sevi, could +well be that of Rycaut himself:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>[The opponent observed] in what a wilde manner the +whole People of the Jewes was transported, with the +groundless beliefe of a <i>Messiah</i>, leaving not onely their +Trade, and course of living, but publishing Prophesies +of a speedy Kingdome, of rescue from the Tyranny of the +Turk, and leading the Grand Signior himself Captive in +Chaines; matters so dangerous and obnoxious to the +State wherein they lived, as might justly convict them of +Treason and Rebellion, and leave them to the Mercy of +that Justice, which on the least jealousie and suspicion +of Matters of this nature uses to extirpate Families, and +subvert the Mansion-houses of their own People, much +rather of the Jewes, on whom the Turkes would gladly +take occasion to dispoile them of their Estates, and condemn +the whole Nation to perpetual slavery.</p> + +<div class="right">(pp. 78-79)</div> +</div> + +<p>Evelyn retains this and similar material, apparently never suspecting +that the Turks may well have been hesitant from real fear; but +the burden of his emphasis is more overtly political and religious. +Evelyn is less than ingenuous, perhaps, in associating Sevi with +Peter Serini's fake brother, or even with Mahomed Bei—another of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[vi]</a></span> +the "late famous impostors." But the connection does have the +effect of putting Sevi in an imaginary world where all masks will +be discovered and the truth known. Ultimately, Evelyn's Jews, +like Dryden's and Milton's, are English—"<i>our</i> modern Enthusiasts +and other prodigious Sects amongst us, who Dreame of the like +Carnal Expectations, and a Temporal Monarchy" (sig. A8; italics +mine). One hardly needs to fill out the reading. With a traditional +reminder that "the Time is not yet Accomplished," Evelyn warns +English sectarians to beware of misleading fictions—"to weigh how +nearly their Characters approach the Style and Design of those +deluded wretches."</p> + +<p>Evelyn's words here suggest something of the wider interest +of the <i>Pretended Messiah</i>. For in threatening the modern enthusiasts, +as it were, with the status of comic fiction, he also hinted +at the literal immediacy of such explicitly imaginative works as +<i>Absalom and Achitophel</i>, <i>Paradise Regained</i>, and <i>Samson Agonistes</i>. +What Evelyn's <i>Pretended Messiah</i> helps to reveal, then, is +not only the potential metaphoric value of news itself, but also the +peculiar proximity of poetry to "history" in a period when historical +thought was inseparable from apocalyptic myth.<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p> + +<p> +University of California,<br /> +Los Angeles<br /> +</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[vii]</a></span></p> +<h2>NOTES TO THE INTRODUCTION</h2> + +<div class="footnotes"> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Michael Fixler, <i>Milton and the Kingdoms of God</i> (London, 1964), p. 244.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Joseph Kastein, <i>The Messiah of Ismir</i>, trans. Huntley Paterson (New +York, 1931), p. 323.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> For an account of the events leading to the extra-judicial opinion of +Glyn and Steele, see Samuel R. Gardiner, <i>History of the Commonwealth +and Protectorate, 1649-1660</i>, III (London, 1901), 216-222.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> <i>Milton and the Kingdoms of God</i> (London, 1964), especially pp. 237-249.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> Heinrich Graetz, <i>History of the Jews</i>, V (Philadelphia, 1895), 118-167. +See also Henry Malter, "Shabetai Zebi B. Mordecai," <i>The Jewish Encyclopedia</i>, +X (1905).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> Kastein, p. 77.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> For a provocative study of apocalypse in fiction, see Frank Kermode, +<i>The Sense of An Ending</i> (Oxford, 1966).</p></div> + +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a></span></p> +<h2>BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"> +The text of this edition is reproduced +from a copy in the William +Andrews Clark Memorial Library. +</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<div class="bbox"> + +<div class="center"> +<b><br /> +THE<br /> +HISTORY<br /> +Of the THREE late famous<br /> +IMPOSTORS,<br /> +</b> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + {<i>Padre Ottomano</i>,<br /> +viz. {<i>Mahomed Bei</i>, and<br /> + {<i>Sabatai Sevi</i>.<br /> +<br /> +The <i>One</i>, pretended <i>Son</i> and <i>Heir</i><br /> +to the late <i>Grand Signior</i>;<br /> +<br /> +The <i>Other</i>, a <i>Prince</i> of the <i>Ottoman</i> Family,<br /> +but in <i>truth</i>, a <i>Valachian Counterfeit</i>.<br /> +<br /> +And the Last,<br /> +The Suppos'd <i>MESSIAH</i> of the <i>Jews</i>,<br /> +in the <i>Year</i> of the true <i>Messiah</i>, 1666.<br /> +<br /> +With a brief <i>Account</i> of the <i>Ground</i>, and <i>Occasion</i><br /> +of the present <i>War</i> between the<br /> +<i>TURK</i> and the <i>VENETIAN</i>.<br /> +<br /> +Together with the <i>Cause</i> of the final<br /> +<i>Extirpation</i>, <i>Destruction</i> and <i>Exile</i><br /> +of the <i>JEWS</i> out of the<br /> +EMPIRE of PERSIA. +</div> + +<hr style="width: 20%;" /> + +<div class="center"> +In the <i>SAVOY</i>,<br /> +Printed for <i>Henry Herringman</i> at the Sign<br /> +of the <i>Anchor</i> in the Lower-Walk of<br /> +the <i>New-Exchange</i>. 1669.<br /><br /> +</div> + +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/013-deco.png" width="600" height="199" alt="Title decoration" title="" /> +</div> + +<h2>To the READER.</h2> + + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;"> +<img src="images/t.png" width="100" height="102" alt="T" title="T" /></div><p><i>he Great</i> +Scaliger <i>was +wont commonly to say, +</i>Omnis Historia bona<i>, +that all </i>History<i> was </i>good<i>; meaning, +that it was </i>worthy<i> of </i>notice<i>, +so it were </i>true<i>, and </i>matter<i> +of </i>fact<i>, though the </i>Subject<i> of it +were never so </i>trivial<i>. </i>This<i>, +though but a </i>Pamphlet<i> in bulke, +is very </i>considerable<i> for the </i>Matters<i> +it containes, and for that it +endeavours to informe, and disabuse</i> +<i>the </i>World<i> of a current +</i>Error<i>, which has mingled, and +spread it selfe into divers grave +</i>Relations<i> that have been </i>Printed<i>, +and confidently published +many Yeares without Suspition.</i></p> + +<p><i>How I came to be enlightned +for these </i>Pieces<i>, I have in part +declar'd in my </i>Dedicatory<i> Addresses; +and if I forbear to publish +the </i>Name<i> of that Intelligent +</i>Stranger<i>, and that other </i>Person<i>, +from whom I received my </i>Informations<i>; +You are to know, that +it is not out of fear of being detected +of </i>Imposture<i>, whil'st we +declare against it, and which cannot +serve any </i>Interest<i> of the </i>Relators<i>; +but because, being </i>Strangers<i>, +or </i>Itinerants<i>, and one of +them upon his return into his</i> +<i>Native </i>Country (<i>which may +possibly engage them to passe by +</i>Malta<i>, and other </i>Levantine<i> parts +obnoxious to these </i>Discourses) <i>it +would appear but ingrateful in us +to expose them to an </i>Inconvenience<i>. +Let it suffice to assure you, +that they are </i>Persons<i> of no mean +</i>Parts<i>, </i>Ingenuity<i> and </i>Candor<i>; +well acquainted with the </i>Eastern +Countreys<i> and </i>Affaires<i>, and +that have themselves been witnesses +of most of these Transactions.</i></p> + +<p><i>It were to be wish'd that our +</i>Christian Monarchs<i> had alwayes +near them some dextrous </i>Person<i> +of this </i>Gentlemans<i> abilites; +were it but to </i>Discover<i> such +</i>Cheates<i> as frequently appearing +under the Disguise of Distressed +</i>Princes<i>, </i>Merchants<i>, &c. are, to</i> +<i>truth, but </i>Spies<i>, and bold </i>Impostors<i>, +and whom otherwise 'tis +almost impossible to </i>detect<i>; not +to suggest the many other good +</i>Offices<i>, as to the </i>Eastern Commerce<i> +and </i>Affaires<i>, they might +be </i>useful<i> in. But this is more +than I have </i>Commission<i> to say +from those who have no other +design in what they </i>Relate<i>, than +their </i>Affection<i> to </i>Truth<i>. It is +not yet a full </i>Year<i> since there +went a Crafty </i>Varlet<i> about the +</i>Countrey<i>, who pretended himself +to be the </i>Brother<i> of the famous +</i>Peter Serini (<i>whose brave +and </i>Heroick Actions<i> had so</i> celebrated +<i>him against the</i> Turkes) +<i>and related a </i>Story<i> by his feign'd +</i>Interpreter<i>, how he fortun'd to be +cast on shore on the </i>West<i> of +</i>England<i>, as he was conducting</i> +Supplies<i> from abroad. </i>This<i> he +perform'd with a confidence and +success so happily, as caus'd him +to be </i>receiv'd, presented, <i>and</i> +assisted (<i>like another </i>Mahomed +Bei) <i>by divers </i>Persons<i> of </i>Quality<i>, +and some of them my nearest +</i>Acquaintance<i>, in his Pretended +Journey to </i>Court<i>; But being at +last discover'd in a </i>Tipling-house<i> +on the </i>Rode<i>, where un-mindful +of his </i>Part<i> and </i>Character<i>, he +call'd for a </i>Pot<i> of </i>Ale<i> in too good +</i>English<i>, and a more natural </i>Tone<i> +than became so great a </i>Stranger<i>, +and the </i>Person<i> he put on, we heard +no more of the </i>Gamester<i>: I wish +our </i>Fin-land Spirit<i>, who is of late +dropt out of the </i>Clouds<i> amongst +us, prove not one of his </i>Disciples<i>; +for the </i>Age<i> is very fertile; +and I am told, that our </i>Mahomed +<i>having receiv'd his </i>Ajuda +de Costo<i> from the Bounty and +Charity of a great </i>Person<i> of more +easie </i>Beliefe<i>, is slipt aside for fear +of the </i>Porters-Lodge<i>, and yet 'tis +</i>possible<i> you may hear more of +him before his </i>Ramble<i> be quite +at a period.</i> +</p> + +<p><i>You have at the end of the last +</i>Impostor<i> an </i>Account<i> of the </i>Jews<i> +Exile out of that Vast </i>Empire<i> of +</i>Persia<i>, happening but the other +day; which, together with the +miscarriage of their late </i>Messiah +(<i>the </i>Twenty-Fifth<i> Pretender to +it as I am credibly inform'd, it +stands in their own </i>Records) +<i>might, one would think, at last +open the </i>Eyes<i>, and turne the </i>hearts<i> +of that </i>obstinate<i> and miserable +</i>People<i>: But whil'st the </i>Time<i> +not yet </i>Accomplish'd<i>, I could</i> +<i>wish our modern </i>Enthusiasts<i>, and +other prodigious </i>Sects<i> amongst us, +who Dreame of the like Carnal +</i>Expectations<i>, and a </i>Temporal +Monarchy<i>, might seriously weigh +how nearly their </i>Characters<i> approach +the </i>Style<i> and </i>Design<i> of +these Deluded </i>Wretches<i>, least +they fall into the same </i>Condemnation<i>, +and the Snare of the +</i>Devil<i>.</i></p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<h3>ERRATA.</h3> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<i>PAge 15, Line 17, Read </i>deside<i>. l. 28 r. dignità, +18. 6. r. Spina Longa, 21 l. 12. r. </i>DETECTED<i>. +24 l. 23, r. It'aser. 30. 14. dele and. 58. l. 17. Essendo. +l. 21. promessa per gli suoi Profeti e padri nostri. +59. l. 2. r. digjuni. 66. 11. r. </i>should be wrought<i>. +77. l. 18. r. </i>not onely<i>. 85. 22. r. </i>one that (as it was +said)<i>. 93. l. 22. r. </i>tenor<i>. 97.15. dele </i>which, and read<i> +it. 99. 7. r. </i>As that<i>. 110. l. 12. r. Cymeterie.</i> +</div> + +<h3>THE END</h3> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/021-deco.png" width="600" height="129" alt="Title decoration" title="" /> +</div> + +<h2> +THE<br /> +HISTORY<br /> +OF<br /> +<i>SABATAI SEVI</i>,<br /> +</h2> +<h3> +The Pretended<br /> +<i>Messiah</i> of the <i>Jewes</i>,<br /> +In the Year of our <i>Lord</i>, 1666.<br /> +<br /> +The <i>Third Impostor</i>.<br /> +</h3> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;"> +<img src="images/a.png" width="100" height="97" alt="A" title="A" /></div><p>ccording to the Predictions +of several <i>Christian</i> +Writers, especially of +such who Comment on +the <i>Apocalyps</i>, or Revelations, +this Year of 1666 was to prove +a Year of Wonders, of strange Revolutions +in the World, and particularly +of Blessing to the <i>Jewes</i>, either in respect +of their Conversion to the <i>Christian</i> +Faith, or of their Restoration to their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> +Temporal Kingdome: This Opinion +was so dilated, and fixt in the Countreys +of the Reformed Religion, and in +the Heads of Phanatical <i>Enthusiasts</i>, +who Dreamed of a Fift Monarchy, the +downfall of the <i>Pope</i>, and <i>Antichrist</i>, +and the Greatness of the <i>Jewes</i>: In so +much, that this subtile People judged +this Year the time to stir, and to fit +their Motion according to the season of +the Modern Prophesies; whereupon +strange Reports flew from place to +place, of the March of Multitudes of +People from unknown parts into the +remote Desarts of <i>Arabia</i>, supposed to +be the <i>Ten Tribes</i> and <i>halfe</i>, lost for so +many Ages. That a Ship was arrived +in the Northern parts of <i>Scotland</i> with +her Sailes and Cordage of Silke, Navigated +by Mariners who spake nothing +but <i>Hebrew</i>; with this Motto +on their Sailes, <i>The Twelve Tribes of +Israel</i>. These Reportes agreeing thus +near to former Predictions, put the +wild sort of the World into an expectation +of strange Accidents, this year +should produce in reference to the <i>Jewish</i> +Monarchy.</p> + +<p>In this manner Millions of People<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> +were possessed, when <i>Sabatai Sevi</i> first +appear'd at <i>Smyrna</i>, and published himself +to the <i>Jewes</i> for their <i>Messiah</i>, relating +the greatness of their approaching +Kingdome, the strong hand whereby +God was about to deliver them from +Bondage, and gather them from all +partes of the World. It was strange +to see how the fancy took, and how fast +the report of <i>Sabatai</i> and his Doctrine +flew through all partes where <i>Turkes</i> +and <i>Jews</i> inhabited; the latter of which +were so deeply possessed with a beliefe +of their new Kingdome, and Riches, and +many of them with promotion to Offices +of Government, Renown, and +Greatness, that in all parts from <i>Constantinople</i> +to <i>Buda</i> (which it was my +fortune that year to Travel) I perceiv'd +a strange transport in the <i>Jewes</i>, none of +them attending to any business unless +to winde up former negotiations, and +to prepare themselves and Families for a +Journey to <i>Jerusalem</i>: All their Discourses, +their Dreames, and disposal of +their Affaires tended to no other Design +but a re-establishment in the Land +of Promise, to Greatness, Glory, Wisdome, +and Doctrine of the <i>Messiah</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> +whose Original, Birth, and Education +are first to be recounted.</p> + +<p><i>Sabatai Sevi</i> was Son of <i>Mordechai +Sevi</i>, an Inhabitant, and Natural of +<i>Smyrna</i>, who gained his Livelihood by +being <i>Broaker</i> to an <i>English</i> Marchant +in that place; a person, who before +his death was very decrepit in his Body, +and full of the Goute, and other Infirmities, +but his Son <i>Sabatai Sevi</i> addicting +himself to Study, became a notable +Proficient in the <i>Hebrew</i> and <i>Metaphysicks</i>; +and arrived to that point of +<i>Sophistry</i> in <i>Divinity</i> and <i>Metaphysicks</i>, +that he vented a New Doctrine in their +Law, drawing to the Profession of it so +many Disciples, as raised one day a Tumult +in the <i>Synagogue</i>; for which afterwards +he was by a Censure of the <i>Chochams</i> +(who are Expounders of the +Law) banished the City.</p> + +<p>During the time of his Exile, he +Travelled to <i>Thessalonica</i>, now called +<i>Salonica</i>, where he Marryed a very +handsome Woman; but either not having +that part of Oeconomy as to govern +a Wife, or being Impotent towards +Women, as was pretended, or +that she found not favour in his Eyes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> +she was divorced from him: Again, +he took a second Wife, more beautiful +then the former, but the same causes +of discontent raising a difference between +them, he obtained another Divorce +from this Wife also. And being +now free from the Incumbrances of +a Family, his wandring Head mov'd +him to Travel through the <i>Morea</i>, thence +to <i>Tripoli</i> in <i>Syria</i>, <i>Gaza</i>, and <i>Jerusalem</i>; +and by the way picked up a <i>Ligornese</i> +Lady, whom he made his third +Wife, the Daughter of some <i>Polonian</i> +or <i>German</i>, her Original and Parentage +not being very well known. And +being now at <i>Jerusalem</i> he began to +Reforme the <i>Law</i> of the <i>Jewes</i>, and +Abolish the <i>Fast</i> of <i>Tamuz</i> (which +they keep in the Moneth of <i>June</i>) and +there meeting with a certain <i>Jew</i> called +<i>Nathan</i>, a proper Instrument to promote +his Design; he communicated +to him his Condition, his Course of +Life, and Intentions, to Proclaime himself +<i>Messiah</i> of the World, so long expected +and desired by the <i>Jewes</i>. This +Design took wonderfully with <i>Nathan</i>; +and because it was thought necessary +according to <i>Scripture</i>, and Antient <i>Prophesies</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> +that <i>Elias</i> was to precede the +<i>Messiah</i>, as St. <i>John Baptist</i> was the +fore-runner of <i>Christ</i>: <i>Nathan</i> thought +no man so proper to Act the Part of +the <i>Prophet</i> as himself; and so no +sooner had <i>Sabatai</i> declared himself the +<i>Messiah</i>, but <i>Nathan</i> discovers himself +to be his Prophet, forbiding all the +Fasts of the <i>Jewes</i> in <i>Jerusalem</i>; and +declaring, that the Bridegroom being +come, nothing but Joy, and Triumph +ought to dwell in their Habitations; +Writing to all the Assemblies of the +<i>Jewes</i>, to perswade them to the same +beliefe.</p> + +<p>And now the Schisme being +begun, and many <i>Jewes</i> really believing +what they so much desired, <i>Nathan</i> +took the courage and boldness to +Prophesie, That one Year from the +27th of <i>Kislev</i>, (which is the moneth of +<i>June</i>) the <i>Messiah</i> shall appear before the +<i>Grand Signor</i>, & take from him his Crown +and lead him in Chaines like a Captive.</p> + +<p><i>Sabatai</i> also at <i>Gaza</i> Preached Repentance +to the <i>Jewes</i>, and Obedience +to Himself and Doctrine, for that the +coming of the <i>Messiah</i> was at hand: +which Novelties so Affected the <i>Jewish</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> +Inhabitants of those partes, that they +gave up themselves wholly to their +Prayers, Almes, and Devotions; and to +confirme this beliefe the more, it hapned, +that at the same time that Newes +hereof, with all perticulars were dispatched +from <i>Gaza</i>, to acquaint the +Brethren in Forrain Partes: The Rumour +of the <i>Messiah</i> hath flown so swift, +and gained such reception, that Intelligence +came from all Partes and Countreys +where the <i>Jewes</i> inhabit, by Letters +to <i>Gaza</i>, and <i>Jerusalem</i>, Congratulating +the happiness of their Deliverance, +and expiration of the time of +their Servitude, by the Appearance of +the <i>Messiah</i>. To which they adjoyned +other Prophesies, relating to that Dominion +the <i>Messiah</i> was to have over all +the World: that for Nine Moneths +after he was to disappeare; during +which time the <i>Jewes</i> were to suffer, and +many of them to undergoe Martyrdom: +but then returning again Mounted on +a Cœlestial <i>Lyon</i>, with his Bridle made +of <i>Serpents</i> with seven heads, accompanyed +with his Brethren the <i>Jewes</i>, who +Inhabited on the other side of the River +<i>Sabation</i>, he should be acknowledged<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> +for the Sole Monarch of the Universe; +and then the <i>Holy Temple</i> should +descend from Heaven already built, framed, +and beautified, wherein they +should offer Sacrifice for ever.</p> + +<p>And here I leave you to consider, +how strangely this Deceived People +was Amused, when these Confident, +and vain Reports, and Dreams of Power, +and Kingdomes, had wholly transported +them from the ordinary course of +their Trade, and Interest.</p> + +<p>This noise and rumour of the <i>Messiah</i>, +having begun to fill all places, <i>Sabatai +Sevi</i> resolved to Travel towards <i>Smyrna</i>, +the Country of his Nativity; and +thence to <i>Constantinople</i> the Capital +City, where the principal Work of +Preaching was to have been performed: +<i>Nathan</i> thought it not fit to be +long after him, and therefore Travels by +the way of <i>Damascus</i>, where resolving +to continue some time for better Propagation +of this New Doctrine; in the +meane while Writes this Letter to <i>Sabatai +Sevi</i>, as followeth.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p> + + + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>22. <i>Kesvan</i> of this YEAR.</p> + +<p>T<i>o the</i> King, <i>our</i> King, Lord <i>of our</i> +Lords, <i>who gathers the Dispersed +of</i> Israel, <i>who Redeems our</i> Captivity, +<i>the Man elevated to the height of all +sublimity, the</i> Messiah <i>of the</i> God <i>of</i> Jacob, +<i>the true</i> Messiah, <i>the</i> Cœlestial Lyon, +Sabatai Sevi, <i>whose Honour be exalted, +and his Dominion raised in a short +time, and for ever</i>, Amen. <i>After having +kissed your hands, and swept the +Dust from your Feet, as my Duty is +to the</i> King <i>of</i> Kings, <i>whose Majesty be +exalted, and his Empire enlarged. These +are to make known to the Supreme Excellency +of that Place, which is adorned +with the Beauty of your Sanctity, that +the Word of the</i> King, <i>and of his Law, +hath enlightned our Faces: that day hath +been a solemn day unto</i> Israel, <i>and a day +of light unto our Rulers, for immediately +we applyed our selves to performe your +Commands, as our duty is. And though +we have heard of many strange things,</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> +<i>yet we are couragious, and our heart is as +the heart of a Lyon; nor ought we to enquire +a reason of your Doings, for your +Workes are Marvellous, and past finding +out: And we are Confirmed in our +Fidelity without all exception, resigning +up our very Souls for the holiness of your +Name: And now we are come as far as</i> +Damascus, <i>intending shortly to proceed in +our Journey to</i> Scanderone, <i>according as +you have commanded us; that so we may +ascend, and see the Face of God in light, +as the light of the Face of the King of +Life: And we, servants of your servants +shall cleanse the dust from your +Feet, beseeching the Majesty of your +Excellency and Glory to vouchsafe from +your habitation to have a care of us, and +help us with the Force of your Right +Hand of Strength, and shorten our way +which is before us: And we have our +Eyes towards</i> Jah, Jah, <i>who will make +hast to help us, and save us, that the +Children of Iniquity shall not hurt us; +and towards whom our hearts pant, and +are consumed within us: who shall give +us Tallons of Iron to be worthy to stand +under the shadow of your</i> Asse. <i>These +are the Words of the Servant of your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> +servants, who prostrates himself to be +trod on by the soles of your feet,</i></p> + +<div class="right"> +Nathan Benjamine. +</div> +</div> + +<p>And that he might Publish this +Doctrine of himself, and the <i>Messiah</i> +more plainly, he Wrote from <i>Damascus</i> +this following Letter, to the +<i>Jewes</i> at <i>Aleppo</i>, and parts thereabouts.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p> +To the Residue or Remnant +of the <i>Israelites</i>, +Peace without end. +</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Sabatai +<i>Wrote a +Letter to +Elect one +Man out +of every +Tribe</i>.</div> + +<p><i>These my words are, to give you notice, +how that I am Arrived in +Peace at</i> Damascus, <i>and behold I go to +meet the Face of our Lord, whose Majesty +be exalted, for he is the Soveraign of +the King of Kings, whose Empire be enlarged. +According as he hath Commanded +us and the</i> 12 Tribes <i>to elect +unto Him</i> 12 <i>Men, so have we done:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> +And we now go to</i> Scanderone <i>by his command, +to shew our faces together, with +part of the principal of those particular +Friends to whom he hath given Licence +to assemble in that same place. And now +I come to make known unto you, that +though you have heard strange things of +our Lord, yet let not your hearts faint, +or fear, but rather fortifie your selves +in your Faith, because all his Actions +are Miraculous, and Secret, which Humane +understanding cannot comprehend, +and who can penetrate into the depth of +them. In a short time all things shall +be Manifested to you clearly in their +Purity: and you shall know, and consider, +and be instructed by the Inventor +himself; Blessed is he who can expect, +and arrive to the Salvation of the true</i> +Messiah, <i>who will speedily publish his +Authority and Empire over us now, and +for ever.</i></p> + +<div class="right"> +<i>Nathan.</i> +</div> + +</div> + + +<p>And now all the <i>Cities</i> of <i>Turky</i> +where the <i>Jewes</i> Inhabited were full of +the expectation of the <i>Messiah</i>; no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> +Trade, nor course of Gaine was followed: +every one imagin'd that dayly Provisions, +Riches, Honours, and Government, +were to descend upon them by +some unknown and Miraculous manner: +an example of which is most observable +in the <i>Jewes</i> at <i>Thessalonica</i>, +who now full of Assurance that the Restoration +of their Kingdome, and the +Accomplishment of the time for the +coming of the <i>Messiah</i> was at hand, +judged themselves obliged to double +their Devotions, and Purifie their Consciences +from all Sins and Enormities +which might be obvious to the scrutiny +of him who was now come to Penetrate +into the very Thoughts and Imaginations +of Mankinde. In which +Work certain <i>Chochams</i> were appointed +to direct the People how to Regulate +their Prayers, Fasts, and other Acts +of Devotion. But so forward was every +one now in his Acts of Penance, +that they stay'd not for the Sentence +of the <i>Chocham</i>, or prescription of any +Rules, but apply'd themselves immediately +to Fasting: And some in that +manner beyond the abilities of Nature, +that having for the space of seven dayes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> +taken no sustenance, were famished to +death. Others buryed themselves in +their Gardens, covering their naked +Bodies with Earth, their heads onely +excepted, remained in their Beds of dirt +until their Bodies were stifned with the +cold and moisture: others would indure +to have melted Wax dropt upon +their shoulders, others to rowle themselves +in Snow, and throw their Bodies +in the Coldest season of Winter +Into the Sea, or Frozen Waters. But +the most common way of Mortification +was first to prick their Backs and +Sides with Thornes, and then to give +themselves thirty nine Lashes. All +Business was laid aside, none Worked, +or opened Shop, unless to clear his +Warehouse of Merchandize at any +Price: who had superfluity in Houshold-stuffe, +sold it for what he could; but +yet not to <i>Iewes</i>, for they were Interdicted +from Bargaines or Sales, on the +pain of Excommunication, Pecuniary +Mulcts, or Corporal Punishments; for +all Business and Imployment was esteemed +the Test, and Touchstone of +their Faith. It being the general Tenent, +that in the dayes that the <i>Messiah</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> +appeares, the <i>Iewes</i> shall become Masters +of the Estates and Inheritance of +<i>Infidels</i>; until when they are to content +themselves with Matters onely necessary +to maintain and support Life. +But because every one was not Master +of so much Fortune and Provision, as to +live without dayly Labour, therefore to +quiet the Clamours of the Poor, and +prevent the Enormous lives of some, +who upon these occasions would become +Vagabonds, and desert their <i>Cities</i>, +due order was taken to make Collections, +which were so liberally bestow'd, +that in <i>Thessalonica</i> onely 400 +Poore were supported by the meer charity +of the Richer. And as they indeavour'd +to purge their <i>Consciences</i> +of Sin, and to apply themselves to +good Workes, that the <i>Messiah</i> might +find the City prepared for his Reception; +so, least he should accuse them +of any omission in the Law, and particularly +in their neglect of that Antient +Precept of Increase and Multiply; +they marryed together Children of ten +yeares of age, and some under, without +respect to Riches, or Poverty, Condition +or Quality: But, being promiscuously<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> +joyned, to the number of 6 or +700 Couple, upon better and cooler +thoughts, after the deceipt of the false +<i>Messiah</i> was discover'd, or the expectation +of his Coming grew cold, were Divorced, +or by Consent separated from +each other.</p> + +<p>In the heat of all this Talk and Rumor, +comes <i>Sabatai Sevi</i> to <i>Smyrna</i>, +the City of his Nativity, infinitely desir'd +there by the common <i>Iewes</i>; but +by the <i>Chochams</i>, or <i>Doctors</i> of their +<i>Law</i>, who gave little or no credence to +what he pretended, was ill receiv'd, not +knowing what mischief or ruine this +Doctrine and Prophesie of a New Kingdome +might produce. Yet <i>Sabatai</i> +bringing with him testimonials of his +Sanctity, Holy Life, Wisdom, and Gift +of Prophesie, so deeply fixed himself in +the heart of the Generality, both as +being Holy and Wise, that thereupon +he took courage and boldness to enter +into Dispute with the Grand <i>Chocham</i> +(who is the Head, and Chief Expositer +of the <i>Law</i> and superintendent of their +will and Government) between whom +the Arguments grew so high, and Language +so hot, that the <i>Iewes</i> who favoured<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> +the Doctrine of <i>Sabatai</i>, and +feared the Authority of the <i>Chocham</i>, +doubtful what might be the issue of +the Contest, appear'd in great numbers +before the <i>Cadi</i> of <i>Smyrna</i>, in justification +of their New Prophet, before +so much as any Accusation came against +him: The <i>Cadi</i> (according to the +Custome of the <i>Turkes</i>,) swallows Mony +on both sides, and afterwards remits +them to the determination of their own +Justice. In this manner <i>Sabatai</i> gaines +ground dayly; and the Grand <i>Chocham</i> +with his Party, losing both the affection +and obedience of his People, is +displaced from his Office, and another +Constituted, more affectionate, and agreeable +to the New Prophet, whose +power daily increased by those confident +Reports. That his Enemies were +struck with Phrensies and Madness, until +being restor'd to their former temper +and wits by him, became his Friends, +Admirers, and Disciples. No Invitation +was now made in <i>Smyrna</i> by the +<i>Iewes</i>, nor Marriage, or Circumcision +solemnized, where <i>Sabatai</i> was not present, +accompanyed with a multitude of +his Followers, and the Streets cover'd<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> +with Carpits, or fine Cloath for him to +tread on; but the Humility of this +<i>Pharisee</i> appear'd such, that he would +stoop and turne them aside, and so pass. +And having thus fixed himself in the +Opinion and Admiration of the People, +he began to take on himself the Title +of <i>Messiah</i>, and the <i>Son</i> of <i>God</i>; and to +make this following Declaration to +all the Nation of the <i>Iewes</i>, which being +wrote Originally in <i>Hebrew</i>, was +Translated for me faithfully into <i>Italian</i>, +in this manner.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>L'unico figliolo, e primogenito +d' dio</i>, Sabatai Sevi, +<i>il</i> Messiah, <i>e</i> Salvatore <i>d'</i> Israel +<i>eletti di</i> dio <i>pace bessendo che +sete fatti degni di veder quel +grangiorno della deliberatione e +Salvatione d'</i> Israel, <i>e consummatione +delle parole di</i> dio, <i>promess +per li sua Profeti, e padri notri, +per il suo diletto figlio d'</i> Israel, +<i>ogni vestra amaritudine si converta</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> +<i>in allegrezza, e li vestri +diginguiti facino feste, per che +non piangerete O miei figliole d'</i>Israel +<i>havendovi dati</i> iddio <i>la +consolatione inenarrabile, festegiate +contimpani e musiche, ringratiando +quello chi ha adempito +il promesso dalli secoli, facendo +ogni giorno quelle cose che solete +fare nelle callende, e quel giorno +dedicato ali' afflictione e mestitia, +convertite lo in giorno giocondo +per la mia comparsa, e non spaventate +niente, per che haverete +Dominio sopra, le genti, non solamente +di quelle, che si vedodono +in terra, ma quelle che sono +in fondi del mare, il tutto pro +vestra consolatione & allegrezza</i>.</p></div> + +<p>Which Translated into <i>English</i>, runs +thus;</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>The Onely, and First-borne +Son of <i>God</i>, <i>Sabatai Sevi</i>, +the <i>Messiah</i> and <i>Saviour</i> of <i>Israel</i>, +to all the Sons of <i>Israel</i>, peace. +Since that you are made worthy +to see that great Day of Deliverance, +and Salvation unto <i>Israel</i>, +and Accomplishment of the +Word of God, Promised by his +Prophets, and our forefathers, +and by his Beloved Son of <i>Israel</i>: +let your bitter sorrowes be turned +into Joy, and your Fasts into +festivals, for you shall weep +no more, O my sons of <i>Israel</i>, +for God having given you this +unspeakable Comfort, rejoyce +with <i>Drums</i>, <i>Organs</i>, and <i>Musick</i>, +giving thanks to him for performing +his Promise from all Ages; +doing that every day, which is +usual for you to do upon the +<i>New-Moons</i>; and, that Day Dedicated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> +to affliction and sorrow +convert you into a Day of +Mirth for my appearance: and +fear you nothing, for you shall +have Dominion over the Nations, +and not onely over those +who are on Earth, but over those +Creatures also which are in the +depth of the Sea. All which is +for your Consolation and Rejoycing.</p> + +<div class="right"> +<i>Sabatai Sevi.</i> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Notwithstanding the Disciples of +<i>Sabatai Sevi</i> were not so numerous, +but many opposed his doctrine, publiquely +avouching that he was an <i>Impostor</i>, +and Deceiver of the people, +amongst which was one <i>Samuel Pennia</i>, +a man of a good estate and reputation +in <i>Smyrna</i>, who arguing in the +<i>Synagogue</i>, that the present signs of +the coming of the <i>Messiah</i> were not +apparent, either according to Scripture,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> +or the doctrine of the <i>Rabbins</i>, raised +such a sedition and tumult amongst +the <i>Jews</i>, as not onely prevailed against +arguments, but had also against +his life, had he not timely conveyed +himself out of the <i>Synagogue</i>, and +thereby escaped the hands of the multitude, +who now could more easily +endure blasphemy against the <i>Law</i> of +<i>Moses</i>, and the prophanation of the +<i>Sanctuary</i>, than contradiction, or misbelief +of the doctrine of <i>Sabatai</i>. But +howsoever it fell out, <i>Pennia</i> in short +time becomes a convert, and preaches +up <i>Sabatai</i> for the <i>Son</i> of <i>God</i>, and <i>deliverer</i> +of the <i>Jews</i>: and not onely +he, but his whole family; his daughters +prophesie, and fall into strange +extasies; and not onely his house, but +four hundred men and women prophesie +of the growing kingdom of +<i>Sabatai</i>, and young infants who could +yet scarce stammer out a syllable to +their mothers, repeat, and pronounce +plainly the name of <i>Sabatai</i> the <i>Messiah</i>, +and Son of God. For thus farr +had God permitted the devil to delude +this people, that their very children<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> +were for a time possessed, and +voices heard to sound from their stomacks, +and intrails: those of riper +years fell first into a trance, foamed at +the mouth, and recounted the future +prosperitie, and deliverance of the <i>Israelites</i>, +their visions of the <i>Lion</i> of +<i>Judah</i>, and the triumphs of <i>Sabatai</i>, +all which were certainly true, being +effects of <i>Diabolical</i> delusions: as the +<i>Jews</i> themselves since have confessed +unto me.</p> + +<p>With these concomitant accidents, +and successes, <i>Sabatai Sevi</i> growing +more presumptuous, that he might correspond +with the Prophesies of greatness, +and dominion of the <i>Messiah</i>, +proceeds to an election of those Princes +which were to govern the <i>Israelites</i> +in their march towards the <i>Holy-Land</i>, +and to dispence Judgement and +Justice after their Restoration. The +names of them were these which follow, +men well known at <i>Smyrna</i>, who +never (God knows) had ambition to +aspire to the title of Princes, until a +strange spirit of deceit and delusion +had moved them, not onely to hope<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> +for it as possible, but to expect it as +certain.</p> + + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Isaac Silvera.</i></td><td align="left">King <i>David.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Salomon Lagnado.</i></td><td align="left">was <i>Salomon.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Salom Lagnado</i> jun. </td><td align="left">named <i>Zovah.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Joseph Cohen.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Uzziah.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Moses Galente.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Josaphat.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Daniel Pinto.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Hilkiah.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Abraham Scandale.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Jotham.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Mokiah Gaspar.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Zedekiah.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Abraham Leon.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Achas.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Ephraim Arditi.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Joram.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Salom Carmona.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Achab.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Matassia Aschenesi.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Asa.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Meir Alcaira.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Rehoboam.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Jacob Loxas.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Ammon.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Mordecai Jesserun.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Jehoachim.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Chaim Inegna.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Jeroboam.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Joseph Scavillo.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Abia.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Conor Nehemias.</i></td><td align="left">was <i>Zarobabel.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Joseph del Caire.</i></td><td align="left">named <i>Joas.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Elcukin Schavit.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Amasia.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Abraham Rubio.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Josiah.</i></td></tr> +</table> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p><i>Elias Sevi</i> had the title of the <i>King</i> of +the <i>king</i> of <i>kings</i>.</p> + +<p><i>Elias Azar</i> his <i>Vice-king</i>, or <i>Vizier.</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>Joseph Sevi</i>, the <i>king</i> of the <i>kings</i> of +<i>Judah</i>.</p> + +<p><i>Joseph Inernuch</i> his <i>vice-king</i>.</p> +</div> + +<p>In this manner things ran to a strange +height of madness amongst the <i>Jews</i> +at <i>Smyrna</i>, where appear'd such pageantry +of greatness, that no Comedy +could equal the mock-shews they +represented, and though none durst +openly profess any scruple, or doubt of +this common received belief, yet for +confirmation of the <i>Jews</i> in their +Faith, and astonishment of the <i>Gentiles</i>, +it was judged no less than necessary +that <i>Sabatai</i> should shew some miracles, +whereby to evince to all the +World that he was the true <i>Messiah</i>: +and as the present occasion seemed to +require an evidence infallible of this +truth, so it was daily expected by the +vulgar, with an impatience sutable to +humors disposed to Noveltie; who +out of every action and motion of their +Prophet began to fancy something +extraordinary and supernatural. <i>Sabatai</i> +was now horribly puzzled for a +Miracle, though the imagination of the +people was so vitiated that any <i>legerdemaine</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> +or slight of hand would have +passed more easily with them for a +wonder than <i>Moses</i> striking the rock +for water, or dividing the <i>red sea</i>. +And occasion happening that <i>Sabatai</i> +was, in behalf of his Subjects, to appear +before the <i>Cadi</i>, or judge of the +Citie to demand ease, and relief of +some oppressions which aggrieved +them: It was thought necessary a Miracle +should now or never, when <i>Sabatai</i> +appearing with a formal and <i>pharisaical</i> +gravitie, which he had starcht +on: Some on a sudden avouched to +see a pillar of fire between him and +the <i>Cadi</i>, which report presently was +heard through the whole room, filled +with <i>Jews</i> that accompanied <i>Sabatai</i>, +some of whom, who strongly fancied +it, vow'd, and swore they saw it; +others in the outward yard, or that +could not come near to hear, or see +for the crowd, as speedily took the +alarm, and the rumour ran, and belief +receiv'd by the Women and Children +at home in a moment, so that <i>Sabatai +Sevi</i> returned to his house triumphant, +fixed in the hearts of his people, who +now needed no further Miracles to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> +confirm them in their faith. And thus +was <i>Sabatai</i> exalted, when no man +was thought worthy of communication +who did not believe him to be +the <i>Messiah</i>: others were called <i>Kophrim</i>, +infidels or hereticks, liable to +the censure of excommunication, with +whom it was not lawful so much as +to eat: every man produc'd his treasure, +his Gold and Jewels, offering them +at the feet of <i>Sabatai</i>; so that he +could have commanded all the wealth +of <i>Smyrna</i>, but he was too subtil to +accept their money, least he should +render his design suspected by any act +of covetousness. <i>Sabatai Sevi</i> having +thus fully fixed himself in <i>Smyrna</i>, and +filled other places with rumors of his +fame; declared that he was called by +God to visit <i>Constantinople</i>, where the +greatest part of his work was to be +accomplisht; in order whereunto he +privately ships himself, with some few +attendants in a <i>Turkish Saick</i>, in the +Moneth of <i>January</i> 1666. least the +crowd of his disciples, and such who +would press to follow him, should endanger +him in the Eyes of the <i>Turks</i>, +who already began to be scandalized<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> +at the reports and prophesies concerning +his person. But though <i>Sabatai</i> +took few into the Vessel to him, yet a +multitude of <i>Jews</i> travell'd over land +to meet him again at <i>Constantinople</i>, on +whom all their Eyes and Expectations +were intent. The wind proving northernly, +as commonly it is in the <i>Helespont</i> +and <i>Propontis</i>; <i>Sabatai</i> was thirtie +nine days in his voyage, and yet +the Vessel not arriv'd, so little power +had this <i>Messiah</i> over the Sea and +Winds, in which time news being +come to <i>Constantinople</i> that the <i>Jews +Messiah</i> was near, all that people prepared +to receive him with the same +Joy and Impatience as was exprest in +other parts where he arrived; the +great <i>Vizier</i> (then also at <i>Constantinople</i>, +being not yet departed on his +expedition for <i>Candia</i>) having heard +some rumors of this man, and the disorder +and madness he had raised amongst +the <i>Jews</i>; sent two Boats, +whil'st the <i>Saick</i> was detained by contrary +winds, with commands to bring +him up Prisoner to the Port, where +accordingly <i>Sabatai</i> being come, was +committed to the most loathsom and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> +darkest Dungeon in the Town, there +to remain in farther expectation of the +<i>Viziers</i> sentence: The <i>Jews</i> were not +at all discouraged at this ill treatment +of their prophet, but rather confirmed +in their belief of him, as being the +accomplishment of the prophesie of +those things which ought to precede +his glory and dominion; which consideration +induc'd the chiefest persons +amongst the <i>Jews</i> to make their visits +and addresses to him with the same +ceremony and respect in the Dungeon +as they would have done had he then +sat exalted on the throne of <i>Israel</i>: +several of them, with one <i>Anacago</i>, by +name, a man of great esteem amongst +the <i>Jews</i>, attended a whole day before +him, with their Eyes cast down, their +bodies bending forward, and hands +crost before them (which are postures +of humility, and service in the Eastern +Countreys) the undecency of the +place, and present subjection, not having +in the least abated their high +thoughts, and reverence towards his +person. The <i>Jews</i> in <i>Constantinople</i> +were now become as mad and distracted +as they were in other places, all trade<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> +and trafficque forbidden, and those +who owed money, in no manner careful +how to satisfie it: amongst which +wild crew some were indebted to our +Merchants at <i>Galata</i>, who not knowing +the way to receive their money, partly +for their interest, and partly for curiosity +thought fit to visit this <i>Sabatai</i>, +complayning that such particular <i>Jews</i>, +upon his coming, took upon them the +boldness to defraud them of their right, +desired he would be pleased to signifie +to these his Subjects, his pleasure +to have satisfaction given: whereupon +<i>Sabatai</i> with much affectation +took Pen and Paper, and wrote to +this effect.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>To you of the Nation of +the <i>Jews</i>, who expect the +appearance of the <i>Messiah</i>, and +the Salvation of <i>Israel</i>, Peace +without end. Whereas we are +informed that you are indebted +to several of the <i>English</i> Nation: +It seemeth right unto us to enorder +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>you to make satisfaction +to these your just debts: which +if you refuse to do, and not +obey us herein: Know you, that +then you are not to enter with +us into our Joys and Dominions.</p></div> + +<p>In this manner <i>Sabatai Sevi</i> remained +a Prisoner at <i>Constantinople</i> for +the space of two Moneths; at the end +of which, the <i>Vizier</i> having designed +his expedition for <i>Candia</i>; and considering +the rumor and disturbance the +presence of <i>Sabatai</i> had made already +at <i>Constantinople</i>, thought it not secure +to suffer him to remain in the Imperial +Citie, whil'st both the <i>Grand Signior</i> +and himself were absent: and therefore +changes his prison to the <i>Dardanelli</i>, +otherwise called the <i>Castle</i> of +<i>Abydos</i>, being on the <i>Europe</i> side of +the <i>Helespont</i>, opposite to <i>Sestos</i>, places +famous in <i>Greek</i> Poetrie. This removal +of <i>Sabatai</i> from a worse Prison to +one of a better air; confirmed the <i>Jews</i> +with greater confidence of his being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> +the <i>Messiah</i>, supposing that had it been +in the power of the <i>Vizier</i>, or other +Officers of the <i>Turks</i>, to have destroyed +his person, they would never +have permitted him to have lived to +that time, in regard their <i>Maximes</i> enforce +them to quit all jealousies and +suspitions of ruine to their state by the +death of the party feared, which much +rather they ought to execute on <i>Sabatai</i>, +who had not onely declared himself +the <i>King</i> of <i>Israel</i>, but also published +Prophesies fatal to the <i>Grand +Signior</i> and his Kingdoms.</p> + +<p>With this consideration, and others +preceding, the <i>Jews</i> flock in great +numbers to the <i>Castle</i>, where he was +imprisoned, not onely from the neighbouring +parts, but also from <i>Poland</i>, +<i>Germanie</i>, <i>Legorne</i>, <i>Venice</i>, <i>Amsterdam</i>, +and other places where the <i>Jews</i> reside: +on all whom, as a reward of the +expence, and labours of their pilgrimage, +<i>Sabatai</i> bestowed plenty of his +benedictions, promising encrease of +their store, and enlargement of their +Possessions in the <i>Holy-Land</i>. And so +great was the confluence of the <i>Jews</i> +to this place, that the <i>Turks</i> thought<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> +it requisite to make their advantage +thereof, and so not onely raised the +price of their Provision, Lodgings, and +other Necessaries, but also denied to +admit any to the presence of <i>Sabatai</i>, +unless for money, setting the price, +sometimes at five, sometimes at ten +<i>Dollers</i>, or more or less, according as +they guessed at their abilities, or zeal +of the person, by which gain and advantage +to the <i>Turks</i> no complaints +or advices were carried to <i>Adrianople</i>, +either of the concourse of people, or +arguments amongst the <i>Jews</i> in that +place; but rather all civilities, and libertie +indulged unto them, which served +as a farther argument to ensnare +this poor people in the belief of their +<i>Messiah</i>.</p> + +<p>During this time of confinement, +<i>Sabatai</i> had leisure to compose and +institute a new method of Worship for +the <i>Jews</i>, and principally the manner +of the celebration of the day of his +<i>Nativity</i>, which he prescribed in this +manner.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>Brethren, and my People, men of <i>Religion</i> +inhabiting the <i>City</i> of <i>Smyrna</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> +the renowned, where live men, and women, +and families; Peace be unto you +from the Lord of Peace, and from me +his beloved son, King <i>Salomon</i>. I command +you that the ninth day of the +Moneth of <i>Ab</i> (which according to our +account answered that year to the +Moneth of <i>June</i>) next to come, you +make a day of Invitation, and of great +Joy, celebrating it with choice meats +and pleasing drinks, with many Candles +and Lamps, with Musick and Songs, +because it is the day of the Birth of <i>Sabatai +Sevi</i>, the high King above all +kings of the Earth. And as to matters +of labour, and other things of like +nature, do, as becomes you, upon a day +of Festival, adorned with your finest +garments. As to your Prayers, let the +same order be used as upon Festivals. +To converse with <i>Christians</i> on that +day is unlawful, though your Discourse +be of matters indifferent, all labour is +forbidden, but to sound instruments is +lawful. This shall be the method and +substance of your Prayers on this day +of Festival: After you have said, Blessed +be thou, O holy God! then proceed +and say, Thou hast chosen us before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> +all people, and hast loved us, and hast +been delighted with us, and hast humbled +us more than all other Nations, and +hast sanctified us with thy Precepts, +and hast brought us near to thy service, +and the service of our King. Thy holy, +great, and terrible Name thou hast +published amongst us: and hast given +us, O Lord God, according to thy love, +time of Joy, of Festivals, and times of +Mirth, and this day of Consolation +for a solemn Convocation of Holiness, +for the Birth of our King the <i>Messiah, +Sabatai Sevi</i> thy servant, and first-born +son in love, through whom we +commemorate our coming out of <i>Egypt</i>. +And then you shall read for your +Lesson the 1, 2, and 3 Chapters of +<i>Deut.</i> to the 17 verse, appointing for +the reading thereof five men, in a perfect +and uncorrupted Bible, adding +thereunto the Blessings of the Morning, +as are prescribed for days of Festival: +and for the Lesson out of the +Prophets usually read in the <i>Synagogue</i> +every <i>Sabbath</i>: you shall read the 31 +Chapt. of <i>Jeremiah</i>. To your Prayer +called <i>Mussaf</i> (used in the <i>Synagogue</i> +every <i>Sabbath</i> and solemn Festival) you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> +shall adjoyn that of the present Festival; +In stead of the sacrifice of Addition, +of the returning of the <i>Bible</i> to its +place, you shall read with an Audible +Voice, Clear Sound, the <i>Psalm</i> 95. +And at the first Praises in the Morning, +after you have Sang <i>Psalm</i> 91, and just +before you Sing <i>Psalm</i> 98, you shall repeate +<i>Psalm</i> 132 but in the last Verse, +where it is said, <i>As for his Enemies I +shall cloath them with shame, but upon +himself shall his Crown flourish</i>; in the +place of (<i>upon himself</i>) you shall read +<i>upon the most High</i>: after which shall +follow the 126 <i>Psalm</i>, and then the 113 +to the 119.</p> + +<p>At the Consecration of the Wine +upon the Vigil, or Even, you shall +make mention of the Feast of Consolation, +which is the day of the Birth of +our King the Messiah <i>Sabatai Sevi</i> thy +Servant, and First-born Son, giving the +Blessing as followeth: Blessed be thou +our God, King of the World, who hast +made us to live, and hast maintain'd us, +and hast kept us alive unto this time. +Upon the Eve of this day you shall +Read also the 81 <i>Psalm</i>, as also the 132 +and 126 <i>Psalmes</i>, which are appointed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> +for the Morning Praises. And this +day shall be unto you for a Remembrance +of a Solemn Day unto eternal +Ages, and a perpetual testimony between +me, and the Sons of <i>Israel</i>.<br /><br /></p> +</div> + + +<div class="center"><i>Audite Audiendo & manducate bonam.</i></div> + +<p>Besides which Order, and Method of +Prayers for Solemnization of his Birth, +he prescribed other Rules for Divine +Service, and particularly published the +same Indulgence and Priviledge to every +one who should Pray at the Tomb +of his Mother; as if he had taken on +him a Pilgrimage to Pray, and Sacrifice +at <i>Jerusalem</i>.</p> + +<p>The Devotion of the <i>Jewes</i> toward +this pretended <i>Messiah</i> increased still +more and more, so that onely the Chief +of the City went to attend, and proffer +their service toward him in the time of +his Imprisonment, but likewise decked +their <i>Synagogue</i> with <i>S. S.</i> in Letters of +Gold, making for him on the Wall a +Crown, in the Circle of which was +wrote the 91 <i>Psalm</i> at length, in faire +and legible Characters; attributing the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> +same titles to <i>Sabatai</i>, and Expounding +the <i>Scriptures</i> in the same manner in +favour of his Appearance, as we do of +our <i>Saviour</i>. However some of the +<i>Jewes</i> remain'd in their Wits all this +time, amongst which was a certain <i>Chocham</i> +at <i>Smyrna</i>, one zealous of his Law, +and of the good and safety of his Nation: +and observing in what a wilde +manner the whole People of the <i>Jewes</i> +was transported, with the groundless +beliefe of a <i>Messiah</i>, leaving not onely +their Trade, and course of living, but +publishing Prophesies of a speedy +Kingdome, of rescue from the Tyranny +of the <i>Turk</i>, and leading the Grand +<i>Signior</i> himself Captive in Chaines; +matters so dangerous and obnoxious to +the State wherein they lived, as might +justly convict them of Treason and Rebellion, +and leave them to the Mercy of +that Justice, which on the least jealousie +and suspicion of Matters of this nature, +uses to extirpate Families, and subvert +the Mansion-houses of their own People, +much rather of the <i>Jewes</i>, on whom +the <i>Turkes</i> would gladly take occasion +to dispoile them of their Estates, and +condemn the whole Nation to perpetual<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> +slavery. And indeed it would +have been a greater wonder then ever +<i>Sabatai</i> shewed, that the <i>Turkes</i> took +no advantage from all these extravagances, +to dreine the <i>Jewes</i> of a considerable +Sum of Money, and set their +whole Race in <i>Turky</i> at a Ransome, had +not these Passages yielded them matter +of Pastime, and been the Subject of +the <i>Turkes</i> Laughter and Scorne; supposing +it a Disparagement to the greatness +of the <i>Ottoman</i> Empire, to be concerned +for the Rumors and Combustions +of this Dispersed People. With +these considerations this <i>Chocham</i>, that +he might clear himself of the blood and +guilt of his Countrey-men, and concern'd +in the common destruction, goes +before the <i>Cadi</i>, and there protests against +the present Doctrine; Declaring, +that he had no hand in setting up +of <i>Sabatai</i>, but was an Enemy both to +him and to his whole Sect. This freedome +of the <i>Chocham</i> so enraged and +scandalized the <i>Jewes</i>, that they judged +no Condemnation or Punishment +too severe against such an Offender and +Blasphemer of their Law, and Holiness +of the <i>Messiah</i>; and therefore with Money<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> +and Presents to the <i>Cadi</i>, accusing +him as Disobedient in a Capital nature +to their Government, obtain'd sentence +against him, to have his Beard shaved, +and to be condemn'd to the <i>Gallies</i>. +There wanted nothing now to the appearance +of the <i>Messiah</i>, and the solemnity +of his coming, but the presence +of <i>Elias</i>, whom the <i>Jewes</i> began to expect +hourely, and with that attention +and earnestness, that every Dreame, or +Phantasme to a weak head was judged +to be <i>Elias</i>; it being taught, and averred, +that he was seen in divers formes +and shapes, not to be certainly discovered +or known, before the coming of +the <i>Messiah</i>; for this superstition is so +far fixed amongst them, that generally +in their Families they spread a Table +for <i>Elias</i> the Prophet, to which they +make an Invitation of Poor people, leaving +the chief place for the Lord <i>Elias</i>, +whom they believe to be invisibly present +at the entertainment, and there to +Eate, and Drink, without dimunition, +either of the Dishes, or of the Cup. +One person amongst the <i>Jewes</i> commanded +his Wife after a supper of this +kind, to leave the Cup filled with Wine,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> +and the Meat standing all night, for +<i>Elias</i> to Feast, and Rejoyce alone; +And in the morning arising early, affirmed, +that <i>Elias</i> took this Banquet so +kindly, that in token of gratitude, and +acceptance, he had replenish'd the Cup +with Oyle, in stead of Wine. It is a +certain Custome amongst the <i>Jewes</i> on +the Evening of the <i>Sabbath</i>, to repeate +certain Praises of God (called <i>Havdila</i>) +which signifies a distinction, or separation +of the Sabbath from the prophane +dayes (as they call them) which +Praises they observe to performe in this +manner. One takes a Cup filled with +Wine, and drops it through the whole +House, saying, <i>Elias</i> the Prophet, <i>Elias</i> +the Prophet, <i>Elias</i> the Prophet, come +quickly to us with the <i>Messiah</i>, the +<i>Son</i> of <i>God</i>, and <i>David</i>; and this they +affirme to be so acceptable to <i>Elias</i>, +that he never failes to preserve that family, +so devoted to him, and augment +it with the blessings of Increase. Many +other things the <i>Jewes</i> avouch of +<i>Elias</i>, so ridiculous, as are not fit to be +declar'd, amongst which this one is not +far from our purpose, that at the Circumcision +there is alwayes a Chair set<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> +for <i>Elias</i>: And <i>Sabatai Sevi</i> being once +Invited at <i>Smyrna</i> to the Circumcision +of the First-borne Son of one <i>Abraham +Gutiere</i>, a Kinsman of <i>Sabatai</i>, and all +things ready for the Ceremony, <i>Sabatai +Sevi</i> exhorted the Parents of the +Child to expect a while until his farther +Order: After a good halfe hour, <i>Sabatai</i> +order'd them to proceed and cut the +<i>Prepuce</i> of the Child, which was instantly +perform'd with all joy and satisfaction +to the Parents: and being afterwards +demanded the reason why he retarded +the performance of that Function, +his answer was, That <i>Elias</i> had not as yet +taken his Seat, whom, as soon as he saw +placed, he ordered them to proceed; and +that now shortly <i>Elias</i> would discover +himself openly, and proclaime the newes +of the general Redemption.</p> + +<p>This being the common Opinion amongst +the <i>Jewes</i>, and that <i>Sabatai +Sevi</i> was the <i>Messiah</i>, being become an +Article of Faith, it was not hard to perswade +them, that <i>Elias</i> was come already, +that they met him in their +Dishes, in the darke, in their Bed chambers, +or any where else invisible, in the +same manner as our common People in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> +<i>England</i> believe of <i>Hobgoblins</i>, and +<i>Fairies</i>. For so it was, when <i>Solomon +Cremona</i>, an Inhabitant of <i>Smyrna</i>, making +a great Feast, to which the Principal +<i>Jewes</i> of the <i>City</i> were Invited, after +they had eaten and drank freely, one +starts from his Seat, and avouches, that +he saw <i>Elias</i> upon the Wall, and with +that bowes to him, and Complements +him with all Reverence and humility: +Some others having in like manner +their Fancies prepossessed, and their +Eyes with the Fume of Wine ill prepared +to distinguish shadowes, immediately +agreed upon the Object, and then +there was not one in the Company +who would say he did not see him: at +which surprize every one was struck +with reverence and awe; and the most +Eloquent amongst them, having their +Tongues loosed with Joy, and Wine, +directed <i>Orations</i>, <i>Encomiums</i>, and acts +of Thankfulness to <i>Elias</i>, courting and +complementing him, as distracted Lovers +doe the supposed presence of their +Mistresses. Another <i>Jew</i> at <i>Constantinople</i> +reported, that he met <i>Elias</i> in the +Streets, habited like a <i>Turke</i>, with +whom he had a long Communication;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> +and that he enjoyn'd the Observation +of many neglected Ceremonies, and +particularly the <i>Zezit</i>, <i>Numb.</i> 15. <i>v.</i> 38. +<i>Speak unto the children of</i> Israel, <i>and bid +them that they make</i> Fringes <i>in the Borders +of their Garments, throughout their +Generations, and that they put upon the +Fringe of the Border a</i> Ribbon <i>of blue</i>. +Also the <i>Peos</i>, Levit. 19. v. 27. <i>Ye shall +not round the corners of your Head, +nor marr the corners of your Beard</i>: This +Apparition of <i>Elias</i> being believed as +soon as Published, every one began to +obey the Vision, by Fringing their +Garments; and for their Heads, though +alwayes shaved, according to the <i>Turkish</i> +and Eastern Fashion, and that the +suffering Hair to grow, to men not accustomed, +was heavy, and incommodious +to their healths and heads; yet to +begin again to renew, as far as was possible, +the antient Ceremonies, every one +nourished a lock of hair on each side, +which might be visible beneath their +Caps; which soon after began to be +a Sign of distinction between the <i>Believers</i> +and <i>Kophrims</i>, a name of dishonour, +signifying as much as <i>Unbelievers</i>; +or <i>Hereticks</i>, given to those who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> +confessed not <i>Sabatai</i> to be the <i>Messiah</i>; +which particulars, if not observed, +it was declared, as a Menace of <i>Elias</i>, +that the People of the <i>Jewes</i>, who +come from the River <i>Sabation</i> as is specifyed +in the second <i>Esdras</i>, Chap. 13. +shall take vengeance of those who are +guilty of these Omissions.</p> + +<p>But to return again to <i>Sabatai Sevi</i> +himself, we find him still remaining a +Prisoner in the <i>Castle</i> of <i>Abydos</i> upon +the <i>Hellespont</i>, admir'd and ador'd by his +Brethren, with more honor then before, +and visited by Pilgrimes from all parts +where the fame of the coming of the +<i>Messiah</i> had arriv'd; amongst which one +from <i>Poland</i>, named <i>Nehemiah Cohen</i>, +was of special note, and renown, learned +in the <i>Hebrew</i>, <i>Syriack</i>, and <i>Chaldee</i>, +and versed in the Doctrine and <i>Kabala</i> +of the <i>Rabines</i>, as well as <i>Sabatai</i> himself, +one (of whom it was said) had +not this <i>Sevi</i> anticipated the Design, +esteemed himself as able a Fellow to +Act the Part of a <i>Messiah</i> as the other: +Howsoever, it being now too late to +publish any such Pretence, <i>Sabatai</i> having +now eleven Points of the Law by +Possession of the Office, and with that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> +the Hearts and Belief of the <i>Jewes</i>: +<i>Nehemiah</i> was contented with some +small appendage, or Relation to a +<i>Messiah</i>; and therefore to lay his Design +the better, desired a Private Conference +with <i>Sabatai</i>: These two great +Rabbines being together, a hot Dispute +arose between them; For <i>Cohen</i> alleadged +that according to Scripture, and Exposition +of the Learned thereupon, there +were to be two <i>Messiahs</i>, one called <i>Ben +Ephraim</i>, and the other <i>Ben David</i>: the +first was to be a Preacher of the <i>Law</i>, +poor, and despised, and a Servant of the +Second, and his Fore-runner; the other +was to be great and rich, to restore +the <i>Jewes</i> to <i>Jerusalem</i>, to sit +upon the Throne of <i>David</i>, and to performe +and act all those Triumphs and +Conquests which were expected from +<i>Sabatai</i>. <i>Nehemiah</i> was contented to +be <i>Ben Ephraim</i>, the afflicted and poor +<i>Messiah</i>; And <i>Sabatai</i> (for any thing +I hear) was well enough contented he +should be so: but that <i>Nehemiah</i> accused +him for being too forward in publishing +himself the latter <i>Messiah</i>, before +<i>Ben Ephraim</i> had first been known +unto the World. <i>Sabatai</i> took this reprehension<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> +so ill, either out of pride, +and thoughts of his own infallibility, +or that he suspected <i>Nehemiah</i>, being +once admitted for <i>Ben Ephraim</i>, would +quickly (being a subtile and learned +person) perswade the World that he +was <i>Ben David</i>, would by no means understand, +or admit of this Doctrine, or +of <i>Ben Ephraim</i> for a necessary Officer: +And thereupon the Dispute grew so +hot, and the Controversie so irreconcileable, +as was taken notice of by the +<i>Jewes</i>, and controverted amongst them, +as every one fancy'd: But <i>Sabatai</i> being +of greater Authority, his Sentence +prevail'd, and <i>Nehemiah</i> was rejected, +as <i>Schismatical</i>, and an Enemy to the +<i>Messiah</i>, which afterward proved the +ruine and downfal of this <i>Impostor</i>.</p> + +<p>For <i>Nehemiah</i> being thus baffled, +and being a person of Authority, and +a haughty Spirit, meditated nothing +but revenge; to execute which to the +full, he takes a Journey to <i>Adrianople</i>, +and there informes the Chief Ministers +of State, and Officers of the +Court, who (by reason of the gain +the <i>Turks</i> made of their Prisoner at the +<i>Castle</i> on the <i>Hellespont</i>) heard nothing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> +of all this Concourse of People, and +Prophesies of the Revolt of the <i>Jews</i> +from their Obedience to the <i>Grand Signior</i>; +and taking likewise to his <i>Counsel</i> +some certain discontented and unbelieving +<i>Chochams</i>, who being zealous +for their Nation, and jealous of the ill-consequences +of this long-continued, +and increasing Madness, took liberty to +informe the <i>Chimacham</i> (who was Deputy +of the Great <i>Vizier</i> then at <i>Candia</i>) +that the <i>Jew</i>, Prisoner at the <i>Castle</i>, +called <i>Sabatai Sevi</i>, was a Lewd +Person, and one who indeavoured to +debauch the mindes of the <i>Jewes</i>, and +divert them from their honest course of +livelihood, and Obedience to the <i>Grand +Signior</i>; and that therefore it was necessary +to clear the World of so Factious +and dangerous a Spirit: The +<i>Chimacham</i> being thus informed, could +do no less then acquaint the <i>Grand Signior</i> +with all the particulars of this +Mans Condition, Course of Life, and +Doctrine; which were no sooner understood, +but a <i>Chiaux</i>, or <i>Messenger</i>, +was immediately dispatched, to bring +up <i>Sabatai Sevi</i> to <i>Adrianople</i>. The +<i>Chiaux</i> executed his Commission after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> +the <i>Turkish</i> fashion in hast, and brought +<i>Sabatai</i> in a few days to <i>Adrianople</i>, +without further excuse or ceremony; +not affording him an hours space to +take a solemn farewel of his Friends, +his Followers and Adorers; who now +were come to the vertical point of all +their hopes and expectations.</p> + +<p>The <i>Grand Signior</i> having by this +time received divers informations of +the madness of the <i>Jews</i>, and the pretences +of <i>Sabatai</i>; grew big with desire +and expectation to see him: so +that he no sooner arrived at <i>Adrianople</i>, +but the same hour he was brought +before the <i>Grand Signior</i>: <i>Sabatai</i> appeared +much dejected, and failing of +that courage which he shewed in the +<i>Synagogue</i>; and being demanded several +Questions in <i>Turkish</i> by the <i>Grand +Signior</i>, he would not trust so farr to the +vertue of his <i>Messiahship</i>, as to deliver +himself in the <i>Turkish Language</i>; but +desired a <i>Doctor</i> of <i>Physick</i>, (who had +from a <i>Jew</i> turned <i>Turk</i>,) to be his interpreter, +which was granted to him; +but not without reflection of the standers +by; that had he been the <i>Messiah</i>, +and <i>Son of God</i>, as he formerly pretended,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> +his tongue would have flown with varietie, +as well as with the perfection of +Languages. But the <i>Grand Signior</i> +would not be put off without a <i>Miracle</i>, +and it must be one of his own choice: +which was, that <i>Sabatai</i> should be stript +naked, and set as a mark to his dexterous +Archers: if the Arrows passed +not his body, but that his flesh and +skin was proof like armour, then he +would believe him to be the <i>Messiah</i>, +and the person whom God had design'd +to those Dominions, and Greatnesses, +he pretended. But now <i>Sabatai</i> +not having faith enough to stand to +so sharp a trial, renounced all his title +to Kingdoms and Governments, alledging +that he was an ordinary +<i>Chocham</i>, and a poor <i>Jew</i>, as others were, +and had nothing of Priviledge, or Vertue +above the rest. The <i>Grand Signior</i> +notwithstanding, not wholly satisfied +with this plain confession, declared, that +having given publique scandal to the +Professors of the <i>Mahometan</i> religion, +and done dishonour to his Soveraign +authoritie, by pretending to draw such +a considerable portion from him, as the +Land of <i>Palestine</i>; his treason and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> +crime was not to be expiated by any +other means then by a conversion to +the <i>Mahometan</i> faith, which if he refus'd +to do, the stake was ready at the gate +of the <i>Seraglio</i> to empale him. <i>Sabatai</i> +being now reduced to extremitie of +his latter game; not being the least +doubtful what to do; for to die for +what he was assured was false, was +against nature, and the death of a mad +man: replyed with much chearfulness, +that he was contented to turn <i>Turk</i>, +and that it was not of force, but of +choice, having been a long time desirous +of so glorious a Profession, he +esteemed himself much honored, that +he had opportunity to own it; first in +the presence of the <i>Grand Signior</i>. And +here was the <i>non plus ultra</i> of all the +bluster and noise of this vain Impostor. +And now the <i>Reader</i> may be pleased +to pause a while and contemplate the +strange point of consternation, shame, +and silence, to which the <i>Jews</i> were +reduc't, when they understood how +speedily their hopes were vanished, and +how poorly and ignominiously all their +fancies and promises of a new Kingdom, +their <i>Pageantry</i>, and Offices of Devotion,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> +were past like a tale, or a midnights +dream: And as this was concluded, +and the <i>Jews</i> sunk on a sudden, and +fallen flat in their hopes, without so +much as a line of comfort, or excuse +from <i>Sabatai</i>; more than in general, +to all the brethren. That now they +should apply themselves to their Callings +and services of God, as formerly, +for that matters relating unto him +were finished and the sentence past. +The news that <i>Sabatai</i> was turned +<i>Turk</i>, and the <i>Messiah</i> to a <i>Mahumetan</i>, +quickly filled all parts of <i>Turky</i>. The +<i>Jews</i> were strangely surprized at it, and +ashamed of their easie belief, of the +arguments with which they had perswaded +one the other, and of the Proselytes +they had made in their own families. +Abroad they became the common +derision of the Towns where +they inhabited: the Boys shouted after +them, coyning a new word at <i>Smyrna</i> +(<i>Ponftai</i>) which every one seeing a +<i>Jew</i>, with a finger pointed out, would +pronounce with scorn and contempt: +so that this deceived people for a long +time after remained with confusion, silence, +and dejection of spirit. And yet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> +most of them affirm that <i>Sabatai</i> is not +turned <i>Turk</i>, but his shadow onely remains +on earth, and walks with a white +head, and in the habit of a <i>Mahumetan</i>: +but that his natural body and soul are +taken into heaven, there to reside until +the time appointed for accomplishment +of these wonders: and this opinion +began so commonly to take place, as +if this people resolved never to be undeceived, +using the forms and rules for +Devotion prescribed them by their <i>Mahumetan +Messiah</i>: Insomuch that the +<i>Chochams</i> of <i>Constantinople</i>, fearing the +danger of this error might creep up, and +equal the former, condemned the belief +of <i>Sabatai</i> being <i>Messiah</i>, as damnable, +and enjoyned them to return to +the antient Method and Service of +God upon pain of <i>Excommunication</i>. +The style and tenure of them was as +followeth.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>To you who have the power of +Priesthood, and are the knowing, +learned, and magnanimous +Governours and Princes, residing +in the Citie of</i> Smyrna, +<i>may the Almighty God protect +you</i>, Amen: <i>for so is his +will</i>.</p> + +<p>These our Letters, which +we send in the midst of +your habitations, are upon occasion +of certain rumors and +tumults come to our ears from +that Citie of your Holiness. +For there is a sort of men +amongst you, who fortifie themselves +in their error, and say, let +such a one our King, live, and +bless him in their publique <i>Synagogues</i> +every <i>Sabbath day</i>:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">The <i>Jews</i> +scruple to +say, the +<i>head</i> of +<i>Israel</i>.</div> + +<p>And also adjoyn Psalms and +Hymns, invented by that man, +for certain days, with Rules and +Methods for Prayer, which +ought not to be done, and yet +they will still remain obstinate +therein; and now behold it is +known unto you, how many +swelling Waters have passed +over our Souls, for his sake, for +had it not been for the Mercies +of God, which are without end, +and the merit of our forefathers, +which hath assisted us; the <i>foot</i> +of <i>Israel</i> had been razed out by +their enemies. And yet you +continue obstinate in things +which do not help, but rather do +mischief, which God avert. Turn +you therefore, for this is not the +true way, but restore the Crown +to the antient custom and use<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> +of your forefathers, and the +law, and from thence do not +move; We command you that +with your authoritie, under +pain of <i>Excommunication</i>, and +other penalties, that all those +Ordinances and Prayers, as well +those delivered by the mouth +of that man, as those which he +enjoyned by the mouth of +others, be all abolished and made +void, and to be found no more, +and that they never enter more +into your hearts, but judge according +to the antient commandment +of your Forefathers, +repeating the same Lessons and +Prayers every <i>Sabbath</i>, as hath +been accustomary, as also <i>Collects</i> +for Kings, Potentates, and +anointed, &c. And bless the +King, <i>Sultan Mahomet</i>, for in his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> +days hath great Salvation been +wrought for <i>Israel</i>, and become +not Rebels to his Kingdom, +which God forbid. For after +all this, which is past, the least +motion will be a cause of jealousie, +and you will bring ruine +upon your own persons, and +upon all which is near and +dear to you, wherefore abstain +from the thoughts of this man, +and let not so much as his +name proceed out of your +mouths. For know, if you will +not obey us herein, which will +be known, who, and what +those men are, who refuse to +conform unto us, we are resolved +to prosecute them, as +our duty is. He that doth hear, +and obey us, may the Blessing +of God rest upon him. These<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> +are the words of those who +seek your Peace and Good, +having in <i>Constantinople</i>, on <i>Sunday</i> +the fifth of the Moneth +<i>Sevat</i>, underwrot their names.</p> + +<div class="center"> +<i>Joam Tob</i> son of <i>Chananiah Ben-Jacar</i>.<br /><br /> +</div> + + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Isaac Alnacagna.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Eliezer Castie.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Joseph Kazabi.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Eliezer Gherson.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Manasseh Barndo.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Joseph Accohen.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Kalib</i> son of <i>Samuel</i>. </td><td align="left"><i>Eliezer Aluff.</i></td></tr> +</table></div> +</div> + +<p>During the time of all these transactions +and passages at <i>Constantinople</i>, +<i>Smyrna</i>, <i>Abydos</i>, upon the <i>Helespont</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> +and <i>Adrianople</i>, the <i>Jews</i> leaving their +Merchantile course, and advices, what +prizes commodities bear and matters +of Traffique, stuffed their Letters for +<i>Italy</i> and other parts, with nothing but +wonders and miracles wrought by their +false <i>Messiah</i>. As then when the <i>Grand +Signior</i> sent to take him, he caused all +the Messengers immediately to die, upon +which other <i>Janizaries</i> being again +sent, they all fell dead with a word only +from his mouth; and being desired +to revive them again, he immediately +recall'd them to life; but of them onely +such who were true <i>Turks</i>, and not +those who had denied that faith in +which they were born, and had profest. +After this they added, that he went +voluntarily to prison, and though the +gates were barr'd and shut with strong +Locks of Iron, yet that <i>Sabatai</i> was +seen to walk through the streets with +a numerous attendance, and when +they laid Shackles on his neck and +feet, they not onely fell from him, +but were converted into Gold, with +which he gratified his true and faithful +believers and disciples. Some Miracles<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> +also were reported of <i>Nathan</i>, +that onely at reading the name of +any particular man, or woman, he +would immediately recount the Story +of his, or her life, their sins or defaults, +and accordingly impose just correction +and penance for them. These strong +reports coming thus confidently into +<i>Italy</i> and all parts, the <i>Jews</i> of <i>Casel +di Monferrato</i> resolved to send three +persons in behalf of their society, in +the nature of extraordinary <i>Legates</i>, +to <i>Smyrna</i>, to make inquiry after the +truth of all these rumors, who accordingly +arriving in <i>Smyrna</i>, full of +expectation and hopes, intending to +present themselves with great Humility +and Submission before their <i>Messiah</i> +and his Prophet <i>Nathan</i>, were entertain'd +with the sad news, that <i>Sabatai</i> +was turned <i>Turk</i>, by which information +the Character of their <i>Embassy</i> +in a manner ceasing, every one +of them laying aside the formalitie +of his function, endeavoured to lodge +himself best to his own convenience. +But that they might return +to their brethren at home, with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> +certain particulars of the Success of +the affairs, they made a visit to the +brother of <i>Sabatai</i>; who still continued +to perswade them, that <i>Sabatai</i> +was notwithstanding the true <i>Messiah</i>, +that it was not he who had taken +on him the habit and form of a +<i>Turk</i>, but his <i>Angel</i> or <i>Spirit</i>, his body +being ascended into Heaven, until +God shall again see the season, +and time to restore it, adding further, +that an effect hereof they should +see by the prophet <i>Nathan</i>, certified, +now every day expected, who having +wrought <i>Miracles</i> in many places, +would also for their Consolation, +reveal hidden secrets unto them, +with which they should not onely +remain satisfied, but astonished. With +this onely hope of <i>Nathan</i>, these <i>Legates</i> +were a little comforted, resolving +to attend his arrival, in regard +they had a Letter to consign into his +hands, and according to their instructions, +were to demand of him the +grounds he had for his Prophesies, +and what assurance he had, that he +was divinely inspir'd, and how these<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> +things were reveal'd unto him, which +he had committed to Paper, and dispersed +to all parts of the World. At +length <i>Nathan</i> arrives near <i>Smyrna</i>, +on Friday the third of <i>March</i>, towards +the Evening, and on <i>Sunday</i> +these <i>Legates</i> made their visit to +him: But <i>Nathan</i>, upon news of the +success of his beloved <i>Messiah</i>, began +to grow sullen and reserved; So +that the <i>Legates</i> could scarce procure +admittance to him; all that +they could do was to inform him, +that they had a Letter to him from +the brother-hood of <i>Italy</i>, and commission +to conferr with him concerning +the foundation and authority he +had for his prophesies; but <i>Nathan</i> +refused to take the Letter, ordering +<i>Kain Abolafio</i> a <i>Chocham</i> of the City +of <i>Smyrna</i> to receive it; so that the +<i>Legates</i> returned ill contented, but +yet with hopes at <i>Nathan</i>'s arrival +at <i>Smyrna</i> to receive better satisfaction.</p> + +<p>But whilst <i>Nathan</i> intended to +enter into <i>Smyrna</i>, the <i>Chochams</i> of +<i>Constantinople</i>, being before advised<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> +of his resolution to take a Journey +into their parts, not knowing by which +way he might come, sent their Letters +and Orders to <i>Smyrna</i>, <i>Prussia</i>, +and every way round, to hinder his +passage, and interrupt his journey; +fearing that things beginning now to +compose, the <i>Turks</i> appeas'd for the +former disorders, and the minds of +the <i>Jews</i> in some manner setled, might +be moved, and combustions burst out +afresh, by the appearance of this +new <i>Impostor</i>; And therefore dispatched +this Letter as followeth.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>To you who are the Shepherds +of Israel, and Rulers, who +reside for the great God of the +whole World, in the</i> Citie <i>of</i> +Smyrna, <i>which is</i> Mother <i>in</i> +Israel, <i>to her Princes, her +Priests, her Judges, and especially +to the perfect wise men, +and of great experience, may +the Lord God cause you to live +before him, and delight in the +multitude of Peace</i>, Amen, <i>so +be the will of the Lord</i>.</p> + +<p>These our Letters are dispatched +unto you, to let +you understand, that in the +place of your Holiness, we +have heard that the learned +man, which was in <i>Gaza</i>, called +<i>Nathan</i>, <i>Benjamin</i>, hath published<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> +Vaine Doctrines, and +made the World Tremble at +his Words and Inventions; And +that at this time we have receiv'd +Advice, that this man +some dayes since, departed from +<i>Gaza</i>, and took his Journey by +the way of <i>Scanderone</i>, intending +there to Imbarke for <i>Smyrna</i>, +and thence to go to <i>Constantinople</i>, +or <i>Adrianople</i>: And +though it seem a strange thing +unto us, that any Man should +have a desire to throw himself +into a place of Flames, and Fire, +and into the Sparkes of <i>Hell</i>; +notwithstanding we ought to +fear, and suspect it; <i>For the +Feet of Man alwayes guide him +to the worst</i>: Wherefore we +Under-written do Advertise +you, that this Man coming<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> +within the compass of your Jurisdiction, +you give a stop to +his Journey, and not suffer +him to proceed farther, but +presently to return back. For +we would have you know, that +at his coming, he will again +begin to move those Tumults, +which have been caused through +the Imaginations of a New +Kingdome; <i>And that Miracles +are not to be Wrought every +day</i>.</p> + +<p>God forbid that by his coming +the People of God should +be destroy'd in all places where +they are, of which he will be +the first, whose Blood be upon +his own Head: For in this +Conjuncture, every little Error +or Fault is made Capital. You +may remember the Danger of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> +the first Combustion: And it is +very probable that he will be +an occasion of greater, which +the Tongue is not able to express +with Words. And therefore +by Vertue of Ours, and +Your own Authority, you are +to hinder him from proceeding +farther in his Journey, upon +paine of all those Excommunications +which Our <i>Law</i> +can Impose, and to force him +to return back again, both he, +and his Company. But if he +shall in any manner Oppose +you, and Rebel against your +Word, your Indeavours and +Law are sufficient to hinder him, +for it will be well for him and +all <i>Israel</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p> + +<p>For the Love of God, let +these Words enter into your +Eares, since they are not vain +things; for the Lives of all the +<i>Jewes</i>, and his also, consist +therein. And the Lord God +behold from Heaven, and have +pitty upon his People <i>Israel</i>, +Amen. So be his holy Will: +Written by those who seek +your Peace.</p> + +<div class="center"><i>Joam Tob</i>, Son of <i>Chanania Jacar</i>.</div> + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Moise Benveniste.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Caleb</i> Son of <i>Chocham, Samuel</i> deceased.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Isaac Aloenacagne.</i> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> +</td><td align="left"><i>Moise Barndo.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Joseph Kazabi.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Elihezer Aluff.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Samuel Acazsine.</i></td><td align="left"><i>Jehoshuah Raphael Benveniste.</i></td></tr> +</table></div> +</div> + +<p>By these meanes <i>Nathan</i> being disappointed +of his Wandring Progress, +and partly ashamed of the event of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> +Things contrary to his Prophesie, was +resolved, without entring <i>Smyrna</i>, to +returne again: Howsoever he obtained +leave to visit the <i>Sepulcher</i> of his <i>Mother</i>, +and there to receive Pardon of his +Sins (according to the Institution of +<i>Sabatai</i> before mentioned) but first +washed himself in the Sea, in manner +of Purification, and said his <i>Tephilla</i>, +or <i>Prayers</i>, at the Fountain, called +by us the Fountain <i>Sancta Veneranda</i>, +which is near to the <i>Cymetry</i> of the +<i>Jewes</i>, and then departed for <i>Zion</i> +with two Companions, a Servant, and +three <i>Turks</i>, to conduct him, without +admitting the <i>Legates</i> to Audience, +or answering the Letter which was +sent him, from all the Communities +of the <i>Jewes</i> in <i>Italy</i>. And thus the +Embassy of these Legates was concluded, +and they returned from the +place from whence they came, and the +<i>Iewes</i> again to their Wits, following +their Trade of Merchandize and Brokage +as formerly, with more quiet, +and advantage, then the meanes of regaining +their Possessions in the Land +of Promise. And thus ended this mad<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> +<i>Phrensie</i> amongst the <i>Iewes</i>, which +might have cost them dear, had not +<i>Sabatai</i> Renounce't his <i>Messiaship</i> at +the Feet of <i>Mahomet</i>.</p> + +<div class="center"><br /><br />THE END</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><span class="smcap">The Augustan Reprint Society</span></h2> + +<div class="center">WILLIAM ANDREWS CLARK MEMORIAL LIBRARY<br /> +UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. LOS ANGELES<br /> +<br /> +PUBLICATIONS IN PRINT<br /> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 150px;"> +<img src="images/099-deco.png" width="150" height="90" alt="Decoration" title="" /> +</div> + + +<div class="center"><b>1948-1949</b></div> + +<p>16. Henry Nevil Payne, <i>The Fatal Jealousie</i> (1673).</p> + +<p>18. Anonymous, "Of Genius," in <i>The Occasional Paper</i>, Vol. III, No. 10 +(1719), and Aaron Hill, Preface to <i>The Creation</i> (1720).</p> + + +<div class="center"><b>1949-1950</b></div> + +<p>19. Susanna Centlivre, <i>The Busie Body</i> (1709).</p> + +<p>20. Lewis Theobald, <i>Preface to the Works of Shakespeare</i> (1734).</p> + +<p>22. Samuel Johnson, <i>The Vanity of Human Wishes</i> (1749), and two <i>Rambler</i> +papers (1750).</p> + +<p>23. John Dryden, <i>His Majesties Declaration Defended</i> (1681).</p> + +<div class="center"><b>1950-1951</b></div> + +<p>26. Charles Macklin, <i>The Man of the World</i> (1792).</p> + + +<div class="center"><b>1951-1952</b></div> + +<p>31. Thomas Gray, <i>An Elegy Wrote in a Country Churchyard</i> (1751), and <i>The +Eton College Manuscript</i>.</p> + + +<div class="center"><b>1952-1953</b></div> + +<p>41. Bernard Mandeville, <i>A Letter to Dion</i> (1732).</p> + + +<div class="center"><b>1962-1963</b></div> + +<p>98. <i>Select Hymns Taken Out of Mr. Herbert's Temple</i> (1697).</p> + +<div class="center"><b>1963-1964</b></div> + +<p>104. Thomas D'Urfey, <i>Wonders in the Sun</i>; or, <i>The Kingdom of the Birds</i> +(1706).</p> + +<div class="center"><b>1964-1965</b></div> + +<p>110. John Tutchin, <i>Selected Poems</i> (1685-1700).</p> + +<p>111. Anonymous, <i>Political Justice</i> (1736).</p> + +<p>112. Robert Dodsley, <i>An Essay on Fable</i> (1764).</p> + +<p>113. T. R., <i>An Essay Concerning Critical and Curious Learning</i> (1698).</p> + +<p>114. <i>Two Poems Against Pope</i>: Leonard Welsted, <i>One Epistle to Mr. A. Pope</i> +(1730), and Anonymous, <i>The Blatant Beast</i> (1742).</p> + +<div class="center"><b>1965-1966</b></div> + +<p>115. Daniel Defoe and others, <i>Accounts of the Apparition of Mrs. Veal</i>.</p> + +<p>116. Charles Macklin, <i>The Covent Garden Theatre</i> (1752).</p> + +<p>117. Sir George L'Estrange, <i>Citt and Bumpkin</i> (1680).</p> + +<p>118. Henry More, <i>Enthusiasmus Triumphatus</i> (1662).</p> + +<p>119. Thomas Traherne, <i>Meditations on the Six Days of the Creation</i> (1717).</p> + +<p>120. Bernard Mandeville, <i>Aesop Dress'd or a Collection of Fables</i> (1704).</p> + +<div class="center"><b>1966-1967</b></div> + +<p>122. James MacPherson, <i>Fragments of Ancient Poetry</i> (1760).</p> + +<p>123. Edmond Malone, <i>Cursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Mr. +Thomas Rowley</i> (1782).</p> + +<p>124. Anonymous, <i>The Female Wits</i> (1704).</p> + +<p>125. Anonymous, <i>The Scribleriad</i> (1742). Lord Hervey, <i>The Difference Between +Verbal and Practical Virtue</i> (1742).</p> + +<p>126. <i>Le Lutrin: an Heroick Poem, Written Originally in French by Monsieur +Boileau: Made English by N. O.</i> (1682).</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>Subsequent publications may be checked in the annual prospectus.</p> + +<p>Publications #1 through 90, of the first fifteen years of Augustan Reprint Society, +are available in bound units at $14.00 per unit of six from:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +KRAUS REPRINT CORPORATION<br /> +16 East 46th Street<br /> +New York, N.Y. 10017<br /> +</div> + +<p>Publications in print are available at the regular membership rate of $5.00 yearly. +Prices of single issues may be obtained upon request.</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<div class="center"> +William Andrews Clark Memorial Library: University of California, Los Angeles +</div> + +<h2><span class="smcap">The Augustan Reprint Society</span></h2> + +<div class="center"> +<i>General Editors</i>: George Robert Guffey, University of California, Los Angeles;<br /> +Maximillian E. Novak, University of California, Los Angeles; +Robert Vosper, William Andrews Clark Memorial Library.<br /> +<i>Corresponding Secretary</i>: Mrs. Edna C. Davis, William Andrews Clark Memorial Library. +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>The Society's purpose is to publish reprints (usually facsimile reproductions) of rare seventeenth and eighteenth +century works. All income of the Society is devoted to defraying costs of publication and mailing.</p> + +<p>Correspondence concerning memberships in the United States and Canada should be addressed to the William +Andrews Clark Memorial Library, 2520 Cimarron St., Los Angeles, California. Correspondence concerning editorial +matters may be addressed to any of the general editors at the same address. Manuscripts of introductions should conform +to the recommendations of the MLA <i>Style Sheet</i>. The membership fee is $5.00 a year in the United States and Canada +and 30/- in Great Britain and Europe. British and European prospective members should address B. H. Blackwell, +Broad Street, Oxford, England. Copies of back issues in print may be obtained from the Corresponding Secretary.</p></div> + +<div class="center">PUBLICATIONS FOR 1967-1968</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>127-128. Charles Macklin, <i>A Will and No Will, or a Bone for the Lawyers</i> (1746). <i>The New Play Criticiz'd, or +The Plague of Envy</i> (1747). Introduction by Jean B. Kern.</p> + +<p>129. Lawrence Echard, Prefaces to <i>Terence's Comedies</i> (1694) and <i>Plautus's Comedies</i> (1694). Introduction +by John Barnard.</p> + +<p>130. Henry More, <i>Democritus Platonissans</i> (1646). Introduction by P. G. Stanwood.</p> + +<p>131. John Evelyn, <i>The History of ... Sabatai Sevi ... The Suppos'd Messiah of the Jews</i> (1669). Introduction +by Christopher W. Grose.</p> + +<p>132. Walter Harte, <i>An Essay on Satire, Particularly on the Dunciad</i> (1730). Introduction by Thomas B. +Gilmore.</p> +</div> + +<div class="center"><br />ANNOUNCEMENTS:</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Next in the series of special publications by the Society will be a volume including Elkanah Settle's <i>The Empress of +Morocco</i> (1673) with six plates; <i>Notes and Observations on the Empress of Morocco</i> (1674) by John Dryden, John Crowne and +Thomas Shadwell; <i>Notes and Observations on the Empress of Morocco Revised</i> (1674) by Elkanah Settle; and <i>The Empress of +Morocco. A Farce</i> (1674) by Thomas Duffet, with an Introduction by Maximillian E. Novak. Already published in this +series are reprints of John Ogilby's <i>The Fables of Aesop Paraphras'd in Verse</i> (1668), with an Introduction by Earl Miner +and John Gay's <i>Fables</i> (1727, 1738), with an Introduction by Vinton A. Dearing. Publication is assisted by funds from +the Chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles. Price to members of the Society, $2.50 for the first copy +and $3.25 for additional copies. Price to non-members, $4.00.</p></div> + +<div class="center"> +THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY<br /> +William Andrews Clark Memorial Library<br /> +2520 CIMARRON STREET AT WEST ADAMS BOULEVARD, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90018<br /> +Make check or money order payable to <span class="smcap">The Regents of the University of California</span>.<br /> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's Notes:</h3> + +<p>Obvious punctuation errors repaired.</p> + +<p>Illegible and missing letters repaired from the context.</p> + +<p>Third page of "To the Reader": +"Transastions" changed to "Transactions" (most of these Transactions).</p> + +<p>Hyphen removed: "fore[-]fathers" (p. 60).</p> + +<p>Page 45: "Tamnz" changed to "Tamuz".</p> + +<p>Page 46: "Kislen" changed to "Kislev".</p> + +<p>Page 47: "Cælestial" changed to "Cœlestial".</p> + +<p>Page 66: duplicate "with" deleted (passed more easily with them).</p> + +<p>Page 72: "Jewt" changed to "Jews" (where the Jews reside).</p> + +<p>Page 78: "Chochan" changed to "Chocham".</p> + +<p>Page 79: "Cocham" changed to "Chocham".</p> + +<p>Page 82: "assoon" changed to "as soon" (as soon as he saw placed).</p> + +<p>Page 99: "Merchantlie" changed to "Merchantile" (leaving their Merchantile course).</p> + +<p>Page 110: "Xio" changed to "Zion", although this is far from certain.</p> + +<p>Page 110: "rerurned" changed to "returned" (they returned from the place).</p> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The History of Sabatai Sevi, by John Evelyn + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF SABATAI SEVI *** + +***** This file should be named 38327-h.htm or 38327-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/8/3/2/38327/ + +Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Moti Ben-Ari and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The History of Sabatai Sevi + The Suppos'd Messiah of the Jews + +Author: John Evelyn + +Editor: Christopher W. Grose + +Release Date: December 17, 2011 [EBook #38327] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF SABATAI SEVI *** + + + + +Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Moti Ben-Ari and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + +[Illustration: Cover] + + + + + THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY + + JOHN EVELYN + + THE HISTORY + OF + SABATAI SEVI, + _The Suppos'd Messiah_ + OF THE JEWS. + + (1669) + + _Introduction by_ + CHRISTOPHER W. GROSE + + PUBLICATION NUMBER 131 + WILLIAM ANDREWS CLARK MEMORIAL LIBRARY + UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES + + 1968 + + + + +GENERAL EDITORS + + George Robert Guffey, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Maximillian E. Novak, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Robert Vosper, _William Andrews Clark Memorial Library_ + + +ADVISORY EDITORS + + Richard C. Boys, _University of Michigan_ + James L. Clifford, _Columbia University_ + Ralph Cohen, _University of Virginia_ + Vinton A. Dearing, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Arthur Friedman, _University of Chicago_ + Louis A. Landa, _Princeton University_ + Earl Miner, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Samuel H. Monk, _University of Minnesota_ + Everett T. Moore, _University of California, Los Angeles_ + Lawrence Clark Powell, _William Andrews Clark Memorial Library_ + James Sutherland, _University College, London_ + H. T. Swedenberg, Jr., _University of California, Los Angeles_ + + +CORRESPONDING SECRETARY + +Edna C. Davis, _William Andrews Clark Memorial Library_ + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + _And you should if you please refuse + Till the conversion of the Jews._ + + +The reader of John Evelyn's _History of Sabatai Sevi, The Pretended +Messiah of the Jewes_ or of the _History of the Three Late Famous +Impostors_ (1669) in which it is the most significant part, discovers a +fascinating, if unoriginal, addition to the work of the great diarist +and dilettante, the amateur student of engraving and trees--and smoke. +Evelyn's work was almost totally derived from the account of Sir Paul +Rycaut, who was from 1661 secretary (and later consul) for the Levant +mercantile company in Smyrna. Rycaut was in fact responsible for what +first-hand reporting there is in the _History_, and Evelyn's book +preceded by only eleven years Rycaut's _History of the Turkish Empire +1623-1677_, where the story first appeared under the author's own name. + +What gives Evelyn's _Pretended Messiah_ its own interest is partly the +immediacy of the news of Sabatai Sevi, and partly the context in which +Evelyn places the story, a context to some extent indicated in the +title, _History of the Three Late Famous Impostors_. When the work was +published in 1669, Sevi was neither the amusing curiosity he is likely +to be for the modern reader, nor the impertinent confidence man +suggested by Evelyn's "impostor." Evelyn was reviewing for an English +audience one of the great crises in Jewish history, the career of the +man who has been called Judaism's "most notorious messianic +claimant."[1] That career was not entirely past history in 1669. Sevi +lived until 1675, and even after his humiliation and final banishment in +1673 he could write to his father-in-law in Salonica that men would see +in his lifetime the day of redemption and the return of the Jews to +Zion; "For God hath appointed me Lord of all Mizrayim."[2] Indeed, a +remnant of Judaeo-Turkish Shabbethaians called Doenmehs apparently +exists in Salonica to the present day. + +Whatever the appeal of Sevi's story may be for modern readers--as a mode +of fiction, perhaps, or an instance of mass hysteria--Evelyn's discovery +of an exemplum for religious and political enthusiasts may seem forced +or reductive. In 1669, however, the interest of Englishmen in Jewish +affairs was by no means merely academic--or narrowly commercial. There +were, it is true, English sportsmen in 1666 who were actually betting on +the Sevi career--ten to one that the "Messiah of Ismir" would be crowned +King of Jerusalem within two years. And what was most disturbing about +Sevi to the English nation as a whole was perhaps the disruption of +trade, in which Sevi's father was intimately involved, as the agent of +an English mercantile house. At the height of the furor, Jewish +merchants were dissolving businesses as well as unroofing their houses +in preparation for the return to Jerusalem. But the prime significance +for Evelyn--perhaps more than for Rycaut--is revealed in the instinctive +mental connection between Jewish and Christian history, or ways of +thinking about history, on the one hand, and political realities in +England on the other. Only nine years had passed since the return of +Charles II and the displacement of the Protectorate, with its remarkable +Jewish elements. As for the return of the Christian Messiah and an +imminent reign of the saints, Sevi might well have reminded Evelyn of +the English "impostor," the Quaker Jacob Naylor, whose messianic claims +were publicly examined at Bristol in 1657. Far more important to +Englishmen of the period, however, was the episode involving the mission +of the Amsterdam rabbi Menasseh ben Israel to Cromwell's England in +1655, a year after Naylor's first appearance. + +For two centuries after their expulsion from England by Edward I--that +is, until the seventeenth century--Jews either avoided England entirely +or lived there in deliberate obscurity. Some Spanish and Portuguese +Jewish refugees from the Inquisition did arrive in England; but +particularly after the execution for treason of Elizabeth's physician +Roderigo Lopez in 1594, they could remain only as "Crypto-Jews." It was +during the Puritan regime that the Jewish position in England really +improved, and the removal of the legal bar dates from the conference +summoned by Cromwell in response to the demands of Menasseh.[3] The +interest in Rabbinical literature displayed by learned men like Joseph +Scaliger, Johann Buxtorf, Hugo Grotius, and John Selden, together with a +general Old Testament emphasis in Protestant scriptural study, made +Judaism a more fashionable interest than it had been in previous years. +Cromwell's own encouragement of Menasseh is usually viewed as an +expression of his tolerationist principles and the hope that the return +of Jews to England would aid in extending trade with Spain and Portugal, +and even with the Levant. An additional facet of his general reception +of Menasseh is relevant to Evelyn's _Pretended Messiah_. A chief +argument in _The Humble Address of Menasseh ben Israel_ (November 5, +1655) was the Amsterdam rabbi's belief that since England was the only +country rejecting the Jews, their readmittance would be the signal for +the coming of the Messiah. Fifth-Monarchy enthusiasts recalled the +prophecies of _Daniel_ and _Revelations_ and linked them with the +relatively immediate experience of the Thirty Years' War; motives of +mercantile jealousy were to some extent offset by millenarian anxiety. +Indeed, the possibility of an imminent millennial reign of the saints +could be the strongest kind of argument for showing favor to the Jews. +Cromwell all but proselytized at the meetings of the conference; +ultimately, because of the opposition of commercial interests, he was +forced to dissolve it. + +We can perhaps best understand Evelyn's account of Sabatai Sevi, "the +Messiah of Ismir," against this background of English Protestant +millennial thinking, admirably summarized in Michael Fixler's recent +study.[4] As Fixler suggests, it was possibly to discredit the +Fifth-Monarchy men that Rycaut first included the account in what was to +become his _History of the Turkish Empire_. At any rate, Sevi himself +was hardly the mere con-man Rycaut and Evelyn portray; the mask, indeed, +is _erepta_ only with the greatest of difficulty. Because Rycaut was +interested in trade and cultural _mores_, his (and consequently, +Evelyn's) account neglects features of the story which are of primary +interest to more psychologically inclined readers. We are told almost +nothing, for example, of the details of Sevi's solitary youth; his +physical attractiveness; his clear voice as well suited to lascivious +Spanish love-songs (interpreted mystically) as to Psalms; and his early +rejection of the Talmud for the practical Cabala, with its strenuous, +self-mortifying asceticism. One would gather from Evelyn that only the +deluded followers of the "impostor" and not Sevi himself imposed such +punishments as self-burial, and bathing in the sea, even in midwinter. +More surprising, perhaps, is the almost total neglect of Sarah, Sevi's +third wife, mentioned in the _Pretended Messiah_ only as the "Ligornese +Lady" whom Sevi acquired after freeing himself "from the Incumbrances of +a Family." In fact, the beautiful and engaging Sarah seems to have +become an integral part of the movement, a movement which in its early +stages was all-male. A prostitute notorious in her own right, primarily +for her claims to be the destined bride of the Messiah, Sarah apparently +escaped miraculously from a Christian convent after being cared for as +an orphan of the savage Chmielnicki massacres in Poland. As he was later +to do with a more formidable rival to his exclusive claims (Nehemiah +ha-Kohen, who ultimately exposed him as a fraud) Sevi called Sarah to +Cairo in 1664, claiming to have dreamed of her as _his_ future bride. +Eventually, after his "conversion," she followed him even into the +Turkish seraglio where he bore the title Mahmed Effendi. + +Other details are missing from Evelyn's _Pretended Messiah_; the +interested reader may pursue the strange tale in Graetz's _History of +the Jews_ or the partly fictionalized biography by Joseph Kastein, _The +Messiah of Ismir_.[5] We may note in passing one additional incident. +After his first banishment from Smyrna (as a result of pronouncing the +sacred tetragrammaton in Hebrew), Sevi met the mystic Abraham ha-Yakini, +who subsequently forged in archaic characters and style a document +entitled "The Great Wisdom of Solomon"--a document accepted by Sevi as +an authentic "archeological" revelation. The event was shortly followed +by a bizarre celebration of Sevi's marriage as the Son of God ("En Sof") +with the Torah, and may have provided climactic metaphysical +confirmation of Sevi's hopes. In the manner of the old apocalypses, it +pronounced Sevi the "saviour of My people, Israel," one who in time +"shall overthrow the great dragon and kill the serpent."[6] + +Good as Evelyn's _Pretended Messiah_ may have been for contemporaries +as a review of recent "news," and we must not underestimate this +function, to the modern reader it seems closer to fiction, of a +peculiarly propagandistic and ironic kind. Aside from omissions from the +story--partly a matter of ignorance or failure in perception, and partly +deliberate exclusion of inconvenient material--Evelyn's enthusiastic +acceptance of his source's frequent theatrical metaphors is one measure +of the distance from history of the _Pretended Messiah_. When Evelyn's +Sevi is grave, it is a "formal and pharisaical gravitie" which is +"starcht on." His motives in general seem highly conscious, even +deliberate; and despite a certain doubleness in the point of view of the +_Pretended Messiah_, the reason for Sevi's comic simplicity is not +difficult to discover. Sir Paul Rycaut, as I have suggested, seems +primarily interested in the effects of the movement on trade. The most +vehement thinking of the book, though ascribed to an unnamed opponent of +Sevi, could well be that of Rycaut himself: + + [The opponent observed] in what a wilde manner the whole People + of the Jewes was transported, with the groundless beliefe of a + _Messiah_, leaving not onely their Trade, and course of living, + but publishing Prophesies of a speedy Kingdome, of rescue from + the Tyranny of the Turk, and leading the Grand Signior himself + Captive in Chaines; matters so dangerous and obnoxious to the + State wherein they lived, as might justly convict them of + Treason and Rebellion, and leave them to the Mercy of that + Justice, which on the least jealousie and suspicion of Matters + of this nature uses to extirpate Families, and subvert the + Mansion-houses of their own People, much rather of the Jewes, on + whom the Turkes would gladly take occasion to dispoile them of + their Estates, and condemn the whole Nation to perpetual + slavery. + + (pp. 78-79) + +Evelyn retains this and similar material, apparently never suspecting +that the Turks may well have been hesitant from real fear; but the +burden of his emphasis is more overtly political and religious. Evelyn +is less than ingenuous, perhaps, in associating Sevi with Peter Serini's +fake brother, or even with Mahomed Bei--another of the "late famous +impostors." But the connection does have the effect of putting Sevi in +an imaginary world where all masks will be discovered and the truth +known. Ultimately, Evelyn's Jews, like Dryden's and Milton's, are +English--"_our_ modern Enthusiasts and other prodigious Sects amongst +us, who Dreame of the like Carnal Expectations, and a Temporal Monarchy" +(sig. A8; italics mine). One hardly needs to fill out the reading. With +a traditional reminder that "the Time is not yet Accomplished," Evelyn +warns English sectarians to beware of misleading fictions--"to weigh how +nearly their Characters approach the Style and Design of those deluded +wretches." + +Evelyn's words here suggest something of the wider interest of the +_Pretended Messiah_. For in threatening the modern enthusiasts, as it +were, with the status of comic fiction, he also hinted at the literal +immediacy of such explicitly imaginative works as _Absalom and +Achitophel_, _Paradise Regained_, and _Samson Agonistes_. What Evelyn's +_Pretended Messiah_ helps to reveal, then, is not only the potential +metaphoric value of news itself, but also the peculiar proximity of +poetry to "history" in a period when historical thought was inseparable +from apocalyptic myth.[7] + + University of California, + Los Angeles + + + + +NOTES TO THE INTRODUCTION + + +[1] Michael Fixler, _Milton and the Kingdoms of God_ (London, 1964), p. +244. + +[2] Joseph Kastein, _The Messiah of Ismir_, trans. Huntley Paterson (New +York, 1931), p. 323. + +[3] For an account of the events leading to the extra-judicial opinion +of Glyn and Steele, see Samuel R. Gardiner, _History of the Commonwealth +and Protectorate, 1649-1660_, III (London, 1901), 216-222. + +[4] _Milton and the Kingdoms of God_ (London, 1964), especially pp. +237-249. + +[5] Heinrich Graetz, _History of the Jews_, V (Philadelphia, 1895), +118-167. See also Henry Malter, "Shabetai Zebi B. Mordecai," _The Jewish +Encyclopedia_, X (1905). + +[6] Kastein, p. 77. + +[7] For a provocative study of apocalypse in fiction, see Frank Kermode, +_The Sense of An Ending_ (Oxford, 1966). + + + + +BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE + + +The text of this edition is reproduced from a copy in the William +Andrews Clark Memorial Library. + + + + + THE + HISTORY + Of the THREE late famous + IMPOSTORS, + + {_Padre Ottomano_, + viz. {_Mahomed Bei_, and + {_Sabatai Sevi_. + + The _One_, pretended _Son_ and _Heir_ + to the late _Grand Signior_; + + The _Other_, a _Prince_ of the _Ottoman_ Family, + but in _truth_, a _Valachian Counterfeit_. + + And the Last, + The Suppos'd _MESSIAH_ of the _Jews_, + in the _Year_ of the true _Messiah_, 1666. + + With a brief _Account_ of the _Ground_, and _Occasion_ + of the present _War_ between the + _TURK_ and the _VENETIAN_. + + Together with the _Cause_ of the final + _Extirpation_, _Destruction_ and _Exile_ + of the _JEWS_ out of the + EMPIRE of PERSIA. + + * * * * * + + In the _SAVOY_, + Printed for _Henry Herringman_ at the Sign + of the _Anchor_ in the Lower-Walk of + the _New-Exchange_. 1669. + + + + +[Illustration: Title decoration] + +To the READER. + + +_The Great_ Scaliger _was wont commonly to say_, Omnis Historia bona, +_that all_ History _was_ good; _meaning, that it was_ worthy _of_ +notice, _so it were_ true, _and_ matter _of_ fact, _though the_ Subject +_of it were never so_ trivial. This, _though but a_ Pamphlet _in bulke, +is very_ considerable _for the_ Matters _it containes, and for that it +endeavours to informe, and disabuse_ _the_ World _of a current_ Error, +_which has mingled, and spread it selfe into divers grave_ Relations +_that have been_ Printed, _and confidently published many Yeares without +Suspition._ + +_How I came to be enlightned for these_ Pieces, _I have in part declar'd +in my_ Dedicatory _Addresses; and if I forbear to publish the_ Name _of +that Intelligent_ Stranger, _and that other_ Person, _from whom I +received my_ Informations; _You are to know, that it is not out of fear +of being detected of_ Imposture, _whil'st we declare against it, and +which cannot serve any_ Interest _of the_ Relators; _but because, being_ +Strangers, _or_ Itinerants, _and one of them upon his return into his_ +_Native_ Country _(which may possibly engage them to passe by_ Malta, +_and other_ Levantine _parts obnoxious to these_ Discourses) _it would +appear but ingrateful in us to expose them to an_ Inconvenience. _Let it +suffice to assure you, that they are_ Persons _of no mean_ Parts, +Ingenuity _and_ Candor; _well acquainted with the_ Eastern Countreys +_and_ Affaires, _and that have themselves been witnesses of most of +these Transactions._ + +_It were to be wish'd that our_ Christian Monarchs _had alwayes near +them some dextrous_ Person _of this_ Gentlemans _abilites; were it but +to_ Discover _such_ Cheates _as frequently appearing under the Disguise +of Distressed_ Princes, Merchants, _&c. are, to truth, but_ Spies, _and +bold_ Impostors, _and whom otherwise 'tis almost impossible to_ detect; +_not to suggest the many other good_ Offices, _as to the_ Eastern +Commerce _and_ Affaires, _they might be_ useful _in. But this is more +than I have_ Commission _to say from those who have no other design in +what they_ Relate, _than their_ Affection _to_ Truth. _It is not yet a +full_ Year _since there went a Crafty_ Varlet _about the_ Countrey, _who +pretended himself to be the_ Brother _of the famous_ Peter Serini +_(whose brave and_ Heroick Actions _had so celebrated him against the_ +Turkes) _and related a_ Story _by his feign'd_ Interpreter, _how he +fortun'd to be cast on shore on the_ West _of_ England, _as he was +conducting_ Supplies _from abroad._ This _he perform'd with a +confidence and success so happily, as caus'd him to be_ receiv'd, +presented, _and_ assisted (_like another_ Mahomed Bei) _by divers_ +Persons _of_ Quality, _and some of them my nearest_ Acquaintance, _in +his Pretended Journey to_ Court; _But being at last discover'd in a_ +Tipling-house _on the_ Rode, _where un-mindful of his_ Part _and_ +Character, _he call'd for a_ Pot _of_ Ale _in too good_ English, _and a +more natural_ Tone _than became so great a_ Stranger, _and the_ Person +_he put on, we heard no more of the_ Gamester: _I wish our_ Fin-land +Spirit, _who is of late dropt out of the_ Clouds _amongst us, prove not +one of his_ Disciples; _for the_ Age _is very fertile; and I am told, +that our_ Mahomed _having receiv'd his_ Ajuda de Costo _from the Bounty +and Charity of a great_ Person _of more easie_ Beliefe, _is slipt aside +for fear of the_ Porters-Lodge, _and yet 'tis_ possible _you may hear +more of him before his_ Ramble _be quite at a period._ + +_You have at the end of the last_ Impostor _an_ Account _of the_ Jews +_Exile out of that Vast_ Empire _of_ Persia, _happening but the other +day; which, together with the miscarriage of their late_ Messiah (_the_ +Twenty-Fifth _Pretender to it as I am credibly inform'd, it stands in +their own_ Records) _might, one would think, at last open the_ Eyes, +_and turne the_ hearts _of that_ obstinate _and miserable_ People: _But +whil'st the_ Time _not yet_ Accomplish'd, _I could_ _wish our modern_ +Enthusiasts, _and other prodigious_ Sects _amongst us, who Dreame of the +like Carnal_ Expectations, _and a_ Temporal Monarchy, _might seriously +weigh how nearly their_ Characters _approach the_ Style _and_ Design _of +these Deluded_ Wretches, _least they fall into the same_ Condemnation, +_and the Snare of the_ Devil. + + * * * * * + +ERRATA. + +_PAge 15, Line 17, Read_ deside. _l. 28 r. dignita, 18. 6. r. Spina +Longa, 21 l. 12. r._ DETECTED. _24 l. 23, r. It'aser. 30. 14. dele and. +58. l. 17. Essendo. l. 21. promessa per gli suoi Profeti e padri nostri. +59. l. 2. r. digjuni. 66. 11. r._ should be wrought. _77. l. 18. r._ not +onely. _85. 22. r._ one that (as it was said). _93. l. 22. r._ tenor. +_97.15. dele_ which, and read _it. 99. 7. r._ As that. _110. l. 12. r. +Cymeterie._ + + * * * * * + +THE END + + + + +[Illustration: Title decoration] + + THE + HISTORY + OF + _SABATAI SEVI_, + + The Pretended + _Messiah_ of the _Jewes_, + In the Year of our _Lord_, 1666. + The _Third Impostor_. + + +According to the Predictions of several _Christian_ Writers, especially +of such who Comment on the _Apocalyps_, or Revelations, this Year of +1666 was to prove a Year of Wonders, of strange Revolutions in the +World, and particularly of Blessing to the _Jewes_, either in respect of +their Conversion to the _Christian_ Faith, or of their Restoration to +their Temporal Kingdome: This Opinion was so dilated, and fixt in the +Countreys of the Reformed Religion, and in the Heads of Phanatical +_Enthusiasts_, who Dreamed of a Fift Monarchy, the downfall of the +_Pope_, and _Antichrist_, and the Greatness of the _Jewes_: In so much, +that this subtile People judged this Year the time to stir, and to fit +their Motion according to the season of the Modern Prophesies; whereupon +strange Reports flew from place to place, of the March of Multitudes of +People from unknown parts into the remote Desarts of _Arabia_, supposed +to be the _Ten Tribes_ and _halfe_, lost for so many Ages. That a Ship +was arrived in the Northern parts of _Scotland_ with her Sailes and +Cordage of Silke, Navigated by Mariners who spake nothing but _Hebrew_; +with this Motto on their Sailes, _The Twelve Tribes of Israel_. These +Reportes agreeing thus near to former Predictions, put the wild sort of +the World into an expectation of strange Accidents, this year should +produce in reference to the _Jewish_ Monarchy. + +In this manner Millions of People were possessed, when _Sabatai Sevi_ +first appear'd at _Smyrna_, and published himself to the _Jewes_ for +their _Messiah_, relating the greatness of their approaching Kingdome, +the strong hand whereby God was about to deliver them from Bondage, and +gather them from all partes of the World. It was strange to see how the +fancy took, and how fast the report of _Sabatai_ and his Doctrine flew +through all partes where _Turkes_ and _Jews_ inhabited; the latter of +which were so deeply possessed with a beliefe of their new Kingdome, and +Riches, and many of them with promotion to Offices of Government, +Renown, and Greatness, that in all parts from _Constantinople_ to _Buda_ +(which it was my fortune that year to Travel) I perceiv'd a strange +transport in the _Jewes_, none of them attending to any business unless +to winde up former negotiations, and to prepare themselves and Families +for a Journey to _Jerusalem_: All their Discourses, their Dreames, and +disposal of their Affaires tended to no other Design but a +re-establishment in the Land of Promise, to Greatness, Glory, Wisdome, +and Doctrine of the _Messiah_, whose Original, Birth, and Education are +first to be recounted. + +_Sabatai Sevi_ was Son of _Mordechai Sevi_, an Inhabitant, and Natural +of _Smyrna_, who gained his Livelihood by being _Broaker_ to an +_English_ Marchant in that place; a person, who before his death was +very decrepit in his Body, and full of the Goute, and other Infirmities, +but his Son _Sabatai Sevi_ addicting himself to Study, became a notable +Proficient in the _Hebrew_ and _Metaphysicks_; and arrived to that point +of _Sophistry_ in _Divinity_ and _Metaphysicks_, that he vented a New +Doctrine in their Law, drawing to the Profession of it so many +Disciples, as raised one day a Tumult in the _Synagogue_; for which +afterwards he was by a Censure of the _Chochams_ (who are Expounders of +the Law) banished the City. + +During the time of his Exile, he Travelled to _Thessalonica_, now called +_Salonica_, where he Marryed a very handsome Woman; but either not +having that part of Oeconomy as to govern a Wife, or being Impotent +towards Women, as was pretended, or that she found not favour in his +Eyes, she was divorced from him: Again, he took a second Wife, more +beautiful then the former, but the same causes of discontent raising a +difference between them, he obtained another Divorce from this Wife +also. And being now free from the Incumbrances of a Family, his wandring +Head mov'd him to Travel through the _Morea_, thence to _Tripoli_ in +_Syria_, _Gaza_, and _Jerusalem_; and by the way picked up a _Ligornese_ +Lady, whom he made his third Wife, the Daughter of some _Polonian_ or +_German_, her Original and Parentage not being very well known. And +being now at _Jerusalem_ he began to Reforme the _Law_ of the _Jewes_, +and Abolish the _Fast_ of _Tamuz_ (which they keep in the Moneth of +_June_) and there meeting with a certain _Jew_ called _Nathan_, a proper +Instrument to promote his Design; he communicated to him his Condition, +his Course of Life, and Intentions, to Proclaime himself _Messiah_ of +the World, so long expected and desired by the _Jewes_. This Design took +wonderfully with _Nathan_; and because it was thought necessary +according to _Scripture_, and Antient _Prophesies_, that _Elias_ was to +precede the _Messiah_, as St. _John Baptist_ was the fore-runner of +_Christ_: _Nathan_ thought no man so proper to Act the Part of the +_Prophet_ as himself; and so no sooner had _Sabatai_ declared himself +the _Messiah_, but _Nathan_ discovers himself to be his Prophet, +forbiding all the Fasts of the _Jewes_ in _Jerusalem_; and declaring, +that the Bridegroom being come, nothing but Joy, and Triumph ought to +dwell in their Habitations; Writing to all the Assemblies of the +_Jewes_, to perswade them to the same beliefe. + +And now the Schisme being begun, and many _Jewes_ really believing what +they so much desired, _Nathan_ took the courage and boldness to +Prophesie, That one Year from the 27th of _Kislev_, (which is the moneth +of _June_) the _Messiah_ shall appear before the _Grand Signor_, & take +from him his Crown and lead him in Chaines like a Captive. + +_Sabatai_ also at _Gaza_ Preached Repentance to the _Jewes_, and +Obedience to Himself and Doctrine, for that the coming of the _Messiah_ +was at hand: which Novelties so Affected the _Jewish_ Inhabitants of +those partes, that they gave up themselves wholly to their Prayers, +Almes, and Devotions; and to confirme this beliefe the more, it hapned, +that at the same time that Newes hereof, with all perticulars were +dispatched from _Gaza_, to acquaint the Brethren in Forrain Partes: The +Rumour of the _Messiah_ hath flown so swift, and gained such reception, +that Intelligence came from all Partes and Countreys where the _Jewes_ +inhabit, by Letters to _Gaza_, and _Jerusalem_, Congratulating the +happiness of their Deliverance, and expiration of the time of their +Servitude, by the Appearance of the _Messiah_. To which they adjoyned +other Prophesies, relating to that Dominion the _Messiah_ was to have +over all the World: that for Nine Moneths after he was to disappeare; +during which time the _Jewes_ were to suffer, and many of them to +undergoe Martyrdom: but then returning again Mounted on a Coelestial +_Lyon_, with his Bridle made of _Serpents_ with seven heads, accompanyed +with his Brethren the _Jewes_, who Inhabited on the other side of the +River _Sabation_, he should be acknowledged for the Sole Monarch of the +Universe; and then the _Holy Temple_ should descend from Heaven already +built, framed, and beautified, wherein they should offer Sacrifice for +ever. + +And here I leave you to consider, how strangely this Deceived People was +Amused, when these Confident, and vain Reports, and Dreams of Power, and +Kingdomes, had wholly transported them from the ordinary course of their +Trade, and Interest. + +This noise and rumour of the _Messiah_, having begun to fill all places, +_Sabatai Sevi_ resolved to Travel towards _Smyrna_, the Country of his +Nativity; and thence to _Constantinople_ the Capital City, where the +principal Work of Preaching was to have been performed: _Nathan_ thought +it not fit to be long after him, and therefore Travels by the way of +_Damascus_, where resolving to continue some time for better Propagation +of this New Doctrine; in the meane while Writes this Letter to _Sabatai +Sevi_, as followeth. + + 22. _Kesvan_ of this YEAR. + + T_o the_ King, _our_ King, Lord _of our_ Lords, _who gathers the + Dispersed of_ Israel, _who Redeems our_ Captivity, _the Man + elevated to the height of all sublimity, the_ Messiah _of the_ + God _of_ Jacob, _the true_ Messiah, _the_ Coelestial Lyon, + Sabatai Sevi, _whose Honour be exalted, and his Dominion raised + in a short time, and for ever_, Amen. _After having kissed your + hands, and swept the Dust from your Feet, as my Duty is to the_ + King _of_ Kings, _whose Majesty be exalted, and his Empire + enlarged. These are to make known to the Supreme Excellency of + that Place, which is adorned with the Beauty of your Sanctity, + that the Word of the_ King, _and of his Law, hath enlightned our + Faces: that day hath been a solemn day unto_ Israel, _and a day + of light unto our Rulers, for immediately we applyed our selves + to performe your Commands, as our duty is. And though we have + heard of many strange things,_ _yet we are couragious, and our + heart is as the heart of a Lyon; nor ought we to enquire a + reason of your Doings, for your Workes are Marvellous, and past + finding out: And we are Confirmed in our Fidelity without all + exception, resigning up our very Souls for the holiness of your + Name: And now we are come as far as_ Damascus, _intending + shortly to proceed in our Journey to_ Scanderone, _according as + you have commanded us; that so we may ascend, and see the Face + of God in light, as the light of the Face of the King of Life: + And we, servants of your servants shall cleanse the dust from + your Feet, beseeching the Majesty of your Excellency and Glory + to vouchsafe from your habitation to have a care of us, and help + us with the Force of your Right Hand of Strength, and shorten + our way which is before us: And we have our Eyes towards_ Jah, + Jah, _who will make hast to help us, and save us, that the + Children of Iniquity shall not hurt us; and towards whom our + hearts pant, and are consumed within us: who shall give us + Tallons of Iron to be worthy to stand under the shadow of your_ + Asse. _These are the Words of the Servant of your servants, who + prostrates himself to be trod on by the soles of your feet,_ + + Nathan Benjamine. + +And that he might Publish this Doctrine of himself, and the _Messiah_ +more plainly, he Wrote from _Damascus_ this following Letter, to the +_Jewes_ at _Aleppo_, and parts thereabouts. + + To the Residue or Remnant of the _Israelites_, Peace without end. + + [Sidenote: Sabatai _Wrote a Letter to Elect one Man out of every + Tribe_.] + + _These my words are, to give you notice, how that I am Arrived + in Peace at_ Damascus, _and behold I go to meet the Face of our + Lord, whose Majesty be exalted, for he is the Soveraign of the + King of Kings, whose Empire be enlarged. According as he hath + Commanded us and the_ 12 Tribes _to elect unto Him_ 12 _Men, so + have we done: And we now go to_ Scanderone _by his command, to + shew our faces together, with part of the principal of those + particular Friends to whom he hath given Licence to assemble in + that same place. And now I come to make known unto you, that + though you have heard strange things of our Lord, yet let not + your hearts faint, or fear, but rather fortifie your selves in + your Faith, because all his Actions are Miraculous, and Secret, + which Humane understanding cannot comprehend, and who can + penetrate into the depth of them. In a short time all things + shall be Manifested to you clearly in their Purity: and you + shall know, and consider, and be instructed by the Inventor + himself; Blessed is he who can expect, and arrive to the + Salvation of the true_ Messiah, _who will speedily publish his + Authority and Empire over us now, and for ever._ + + _Nathan._ + +And now all the _Cities_ of _Turky_ where the _Jewes_ Inhabited were +full of the expectation of the _Messiah_; no Trade, nor course of Gaine +was followed: every one imagin'd that dayly Provisions, Riches, Honours, +and Government, were to descend upon them by some unknown and Miraculous +manner: an example of which is most observable in the _Jewes_ at +_Thessalonica_, who now full of Assurance that the Restoration of their +Kingdome, and the Accomplishment of the time for the coming of the +_Messiah_ was at hand, judged themselves obliged to double their +Devotions, and Purifie their Consciences from all Sins and Enormities +which might be obvious to the scrutiny of him who was now come to +Penetrate into the very Thoughts and Imaginations of Mankinde. In which +Work certain _Chochams_ were appointed to direct the People how to +Regulate their Prayers, Fasts, and other Acts of Devotion. But so +forward was every one now in his Acts of Penance, that they stay'd not +for the Sentence of the _Chocham_, or prescription of any Rules, but +apply'd themselves immediately to Fasting: And some in that manner +beyond the abilities of Nature, that having for the space of seven +dayes taken no sustenance, were famished to death. Others buryed +themselves in their Gardens, covering their naked Bodies with Earth, +their heads onely excepted, remained in their Beds of dirt until their +Bodies were stifned with the cold and moisture: others would indure to +have melted Wax dropt upon their shoulders, others to rowle themselves +in Snow, and throw their Bodies in the Coldest season of Winter Into the +Sea, or Frozen Waters. But the most common way of Mortification was +first to prick their Backs and Sides with Thornes, and then to give +themselves thirty nine Lashes. All Business was laid aside, none Worked, +or opened Shop, unless to clear his Warehouse of Merchandize at any +Price: who had superfluity in Houshold-stuffe, sold it for what he +could; but yet not to _Iewes_, for they were Interdicted from Bargaines +or Sales, on the pain of Excommunication, Pecuniary Mulcts, or Corporal +Punishments; for all Business and Imployment was esteemed the Test, and +Touchstone of their Faith. It being the general Tenent, that in the +dayes that the _Messiah_ appeares, the _Iewes_ shall become Masters of +the Estates and Inheritance of _Infidels_; until when they are to +content themselves with Matters onely necessary to maintain and support +Life. But because every one was not Master of so much Fortune and +Provision, as to live without dayly Labour, therefore to quiet the +Clamours of the Poor, and prevent the Enormous lives of some, who upon +these occasions would become Vagabonds, and desert their _Cities_, due +order was taken to make Collections, which were so liberally bestow'd, +that in _Thessalonica_ onely 400 Poore were supported by the meer +charity of the Richer. And as they indeavour'd to purge their +_Consciences_ of Sin, and to apply themselves to good Workes, that the +_Messiah_ might find the City prepared for his Reception; so, least he +should accuse them of any omission in the Law, and particularly in their +neglect of that Antient Precept of Increase and Multiply; they marryed +together Children of ten yeares of age, and some under, without respect +to Riches, or Poverty, Condition or Quality: But, being promiscuously +joyned, to the number of 6 or 700 Couple, upon better and cooler +thoughts, after the deceipt of the false _Messiah_ was discover'd, or +the expectation of his Coming grew cold, were Divorced, or by Consent +separated from each other. + +In the heat of all this Talk and Rumor, comes _Sabatai Sevi_ to +_Smyrna_, the City of his Nativity, infinitely desir'd there by the +common _Iewes_; but by the _Chochams_, or _Doctors_ of their _Law_, who +gave little or no credence to what he pretended, was ill receiv'd, not +knowing what mischief or ruine this Doctrine and Prophesie of a New +Kingdome might produce. Yet _Sabatai_ bringing with him testimonials of +his Sanctity, Holy Life, Wisdom, and Gift of Prophesie, so deeply fixed +himself in the heart of the Generality, both as being Holy and Wise, +that thereupon he took courage and boldness to enter into Dispute with +the Grand _Chocham_ (who is the Head, and Chief Expositer of the _Law_ +and superintendent of their will and Government) between whom the +Arguments grew so high, and Language so hot, that the _Iewes_ who +favoured the Doctrine of _Sabatai_, and feared the Authority of the +_Chocham_, doubtful what might be the issue of the Contest, appear'd in +great numbers before the _Cadi_ of _Smyrna_, in justification of their +New Prophet, before so much as any Accusation came against him: The +_Cadi_ (according to the Custome of the _Turkes_,) swallows Mony on both +sides, and afterwards remits them to the determination of their own +Justice. In this manner _Sabatai_ gaines ground dayly; and the Grand +_Chocham_ with his Party, losing both the affection and obedience of his +People, is displaced from his Office, and another Constituted, more +affectionate, and agreeable to the New Prophet, whose power daily +increased by those confident Reports. That his Enemies were struck with +Phrensies and Madness, until being restor'd to their former temper and +wits by him, became his Friends, Admirers, and Disciples. No Invitation +was now made in _Smyrna_ by the _Iewes_, nor Marriage, or Circumcision +solemnized, where _Sabatai_ was not present, accompanyed with a +multitude of his Followers, and the Streets cover'd with Carpits, or +fine Cloath for him to tread on; but the Humility of this _Pharisee_ +appear'd such, that he would stoop and turne them aside, and so pass. +And having thus fixed himself in the Opinion and Admiration of the +People, he began to take on himself the Title of _Messiah_, and the +_Son_ of _God_; and to make this following Declaration to all the Nation +of the _Iewes_, which being wrote Originally in _Hebrew_, was Translated +for me faithfully into _Italian_, in this manner. + + _L'unico figliolo, e primogenito d' dio_, Sabatai Sevi, _il_ + Messiah, _e_ Salvatore _d'_ Israel _eletti di_ dio _pace + bessendo che sete fatti degni di veder quel grangiorno della + deliberatione e Salvatione d'_ Israel, _e consummatione delle + parole di_ dio, _promess per li sua Profeti, e padri notri, per + il suo diletto figlio d'_ Israel, _ogni vestra amaritudine si + converta in allegrezza, e li vestri diginguiti facino feste, + per che non piangerete O miei figliole d'_Israel _havendovi + dati_ iddio _la consolatione inenarrabile, festegiate contimpani + e musiche, ringratiando quello chi ha adempito il promesso dalli + secoli, facendo ogni giorno quelle cose che solete fare nelle + callende, e quel giorno dedicato ali' afflictione e mestitia, + convertite lo in giorno giocondo per la mia comparsa, e non + spaventate niente, per che haverete Dominio sopra, le genti, non + solamente di quelle, che si vedodono in terra, ma quelle che + sono in fondi del mare, il tutto pro vestra consolatione & + allegrezza._ + +Which Translated into _English_, runs thus; + + The Onely, and First-borne Son of _God_, _Sabatai Sevi_, the + _Messiah_ and _Saviour_ of _Israel_, to all the Sons of + _Israel_, peace. Since that you are made worthy to see that + great Day of Deliverance, and Salvation unto _Israel_, and + Accomplishment of the Word of God, Promised by his Prophets, and + our forefathers, and by his Beloved Son of _Israel_: let your + bitter sorrowes be turned into Joy, and your Fasts into + festivals, for you shall weep no more, O my sons of _Israel_, + for God having given you this unspeakable Comfort, rejoyce with + _Drums_, _Organs_, and _Musick_, giving thanks to him for + performing his Promise from all Ages; doing that every day, + which is usual for you to do upon the _New-Moons_; and, that Day + Dedicated to affliction and sorrow convert you into a Day of + Mirth for my appearance: and fear you nothing, for you shall + have Dominion over the Nations, and not onely over those who are + on Earth, but over those Creatures also which are in the depth + of the Sea. All which is for your Consolation and Rejoycing. + + _Sabatai Sevi._ + +Notwithstanding the Disciples of _Sabatai Sevi_ were not so numerous, +but many opposed his doctrine, publiquely avouching that he was an +_Impostor_, and Deceiver of the people, amongst which was one _Samuel +Pennia_, a man of a good estate and reputation in _Smyrna_, who arguing +in the _Synagogue_, that the present signs of the coming of the +_Messiah_ were not apparent, either according to Scripture, or the +doctrine of the _Rabbins_, raised such a sedition and tumult amongst the +_Jews_, as not onely prevailed against arguments, but had also against +his life, had he not timely conveyed himself out of the _Synagogue_, and +thereby escaped the hands of the multitude, who now could more easily +endure blasphemy against the _Law_ of _Moses_, and the prophanation of +the _Sanctuary_, than contradiction, or misbelief of the doctrine of +_Sabatai_. But howsoever it fell out, _Pennia_ in short time becomes a +convert, and preaches up _Sabatai_ for the _Son_ of _God_, and +_deliverer_ of the _Jews_: and not onely he, but his whole family; his +daughters prophesie, and fall into strange extasies; and not onely his +house, but four hundred men and women prophesie of the growing kingdom +of _Sabatai_, and young infants who could yet scarce stammer out a +syllable to their mothers, repeat, and pronounce plainly the name of +_Sabatai_ the _Messiah_, and Son of God. For thus farr had God permitted +the devil to delude this people, that their very children were for a +time possessed, and voices heard to sound from their stomacks, and +intrails: those of riper years fell first into a trance, foamed at the +mouth, and recounted the future prosperitie, and deliverance of the +_Israelites_, their visions of the _Lion_ of _Judah_, and the triumphs +of _Sabatai_, all which were certainly true, being effects of +_Diabolical_ delusions: as the _Jews_ themselves since have confessed +unto me. + +With these concomitant accidents, and successes, _Sabatai Sevi_ growing +more presumptuous, that he might correspond with the Prophesies of +greatness, and dominion of the _Messiah_, proceeds to an election of +those Princes which were to govern the _Israelites_ in their march +towards the _Holy-Land_, and to dispence Judgement and Justice after +their Restoration. The names of them were these which follow, men well +known at _Smyrna_, who never (God knows) had ambition to aspire to the +title of Princes, until a strange spirit of deceit and delusion had +moved them, not onely to hope for it as possible, but to expect it as +certain. + + _Isaac Silvera._ King _David._ + _Salomon Lagnado._ was _Salomon._ + _Salom Lagnado_ jun. named _Zovah._ + _Joseph Cohen._ _Uzziah._ + _Moses Galente._ _Josaphat._ + _Daniel Pinto._ _Hilkiah._ + _Abraham Scandale._ _Jotham._ + _Mokiah Gaspar._ _Zedekiah._ + _Abraham Leon._ _Achas._ + _Ephraim Arditi._ _Joram._ + _Salom Carmona._ _Achab._ + _Matassia Aschenesi._ _Asa._ + _Meir Alcaira._ _Rehoboam._ + _Jacob Loxas._ _Ammon._ + _Mordecai Jesserun._ _Jehoachim._ + _Chaim Inegna._ _Jeroboam._ + _Joseph Scavillo._ _Abia._ + _Conor Nehemias._ was _Zarobabel._ + _Joseph del Caire._ named _Joas._ + _Elcukin Schavit._ _Amasia._ + _Abraham Rubio._ _Josiah._ + + _Elias Sevi_ had the title of the _King_ of the _king_ of _kings_. + _Elias Azar_ his _Vice-king_, or _Vizier._ + _Joseph Sevi_, the _king_ of the _kings_ of _Judah_. + _Joseph Inernuch_ his _vice-king_. + +In this manner things ran to a strange height of madness amongst the +_Jews_ at _Smyrna_, where appear'd such pageantry of greatness, that no +Comedy could equal the mock-shews they represented, and though none +durst openly profess any scruple, or doubt of this common received +belief, yet for confirmation of the _Jews_ in their Faith, and +astonishment of the _Gentiles_, it was judged no less than necessary +that _Sabatai_ should shew some miracles, whereby to evince to all the +World that he was the true _Messiah_: and as the present occasion seemed +to require an evidence infallible of this truth, so it was daily +expected by the vulgar, with an impatience sutable to humors disposed to +Noveltie; who out of every action and motion of their Prophet began to +fancy something extraordinary and supernatural. _Sabatai_ was now +horribly puzzled for a Miracle, though the imagination of the people was +so vitiated that any _legerdemaine_, or slight of hand would have +passed more easily with them for a wonder than _Moses_ striking the rock +for water, or dividing the _red sea_. And occasion happening that +_Sabatai_ was, in behalf of his Subjects, to appear before the _Cadi_, +or judge of the Citie to demand ease, and relief of some oppressions +which aggrieved them: It was thought necessary a Miracle should now or +never, when _Sabatai_ appearing with a formal and _pharisaical_ +gravitie, which he had starcht on: Some on a sudden avouched to see a +pillar of fire between him and the _Cadi_, which report presently was +heard through the whole room, filled with _Jews_ that accompanied +_Sabatai_, some of whom, who strongly fancied it, vow'd, and swore they +saw it; others in the outward yard, or that could not come near to hear, +or see for the crowd, as speedily took the alarm, and the rumour ran, +and belief receiv'd by the Women and Children at home in a moment, so +that _Sabatai Sevi_ returned to his house triumphant, fixed in the +hearts of his people, who now needed no further Miracles to confirm +them in their faith. And thus was _Sabatai_ exalted, when no man was +thought worthy of communication who did not believe him to be the +_Messiah_: others were called _Kophrim_, infidels or hereticks, liable +to the censure of excommunication, with whom it was not lawful so much +as to eat: every man produc'd his treasure, his Gold and Jewels, +offering them at the feet of _Sabatai_; so that he could have commanded +all the wealth of _Smyrna_, but he was too subtil to accept their money, +least he should render his design suspected by any act of covetousness. +_Sabatai Sevi_ having thus fully fixed himself in _Smyrna_, and filled +other places with rumors of his fame; declared that he was called by God +to visit _Constantinople_, where the greatest part of his work was to be +accomplisht; in order whereunto he privately ships himself, with some +few attendants in a _Turkish Saick_, in the Moneth of _January_ 1666. +least the crowd of his disciples, and such who would press to follow +him, should endanger him in the Eyes of the _Turks_, who already began +to be scandalized at the reports and prophesies concerning his person. +But though _Sabatai_ took few into the Vessel to him, yet a multitude of +_Jews_ travell'd over land to meet him again at _Constantinople_, on +whom all their Eyes and Expectations were intent. The wind proving +northernly, as commonly it is in the _Helespont_ and _Propontis_; +_Sabatai_ was thirtie nine days in his voyage, and yet the Vessel not +arriv'd, so little power had this _Messiah_ over the Sea and Winds, in +which time news being come to _Constantinople_ that the _Jews Messiah_ +was near, all that people prepared to receive him with the same Joy and +Impatience as was exprest in other parts where he arrived; the great +_Vizier_ (then also at _Constantinople_, being not yet departed on his +expedition for _Candia_) having heard some rumors of this man, and the +disorder and madness he had raised amongst the _Jews_; sent two Boats, +whil'st the _Saick_ was detained by contrary winds, with commands to +bring him up Prisoner to the Port, where accordingly _Sabatai_ being +come, was committed to the most loathsom and darkest Dungeon in the +Town, there to remain in farther expectation of the _Viziers_ sentence: +The _Jews_ were not at all discouraged at this ill treatment of their +prophet, but rather confirmed in their belief of him, as being the +accomplishment of the prophesie of those things which ought to precede +his glory and dominion; which consideration induc'd the chiefest persons +amongst the _Jews_ to make their visits and addresses to him with the +same ceremony and respect in the Dungeon as they would have done had he +then sat exalted on the throne of _Israel_: several of them, with one +_Anacago_, by name, a man of great esteem amongst the _Jews_, attended a +whole day before him, with their Eyes cast down, their bodies bending +forward, and hands crost before them (which are postures of humility, +and service in the Eastern Countreys) the undecency of the place, and +present subjection, not having in the least abated their high thoughts, +and reverence towards his person. The _Jews_ in _Constantinople_ were +now become as mad and distracted as they were in other places, all +trade and trafficque forbidden, and those who owed money, in no manner +careful how to satisfie it: amongst which wild crew some were indebted +to our Merchants at _Galata_, who not knowing the way to receive their +money, partly for their interest, and partly for curiosity thought fit +to visit this _Sabatai_, complayning that such particular _Jews_, upon +his coming, took upon them the boldness to defraud them of their right, +desired he would be pleased to signifie to these his Subjects, his +pleasure to have satisfaction given: whereupon _Sabatai_ with much +affectation took Pen and Paper, and wrote to this effect. + + To you of the Nation of the _Jews_, who expect the appearance of + the _Messiah_, and the Salvation of _Israel_, Peace without end. + Whereas we are informed that you are indebted to several of the + _English_ Nation: It seemeth right unto us to enorder you to + make satisfaction to these your just debts: which if you refuse + to do, and not obey us herein: Know you, that then you are not + to enter with us into our Joys and Dominions. + +In this manner _Sabatai Sevi_ remained a Prisoner at _Constantinople_ +for the space of two Moneths; at the end of which, the _Vizier_ having +designed his expedition for _Candia_; and considering the rumor and +disturbance the presence of _Sabatai_ had made already at +_Constantinople_, thought it not secure to suffer him to remain in the +Imperial Citie, whil'st both the _Grand Signior_ and himself were +absent: and therefore changes his prison to the _Dardanelli_, otherwise +called the _Castle_ of _Abydos_, being on the _Europe_ side of the +_Helespont_, opposite to _Sestos_, places famous in _Greek_ Poetrie. +This removal of _Sabatai_ from a worse Prison to one of a better air; +confirmed the _Jews_ with greater confidence of his being the +_Messiah_, supposing that had it been in the power of the _Vizier_, or +other Officers of the _Turks_, to have destroyed his person, they would +never have permitted him to have lived to that time, in regard their +_Maximes_ enforce them to quit all jealousies and suspitions of ruine to +their state by the death of the party feared, which much rather they +ought to execute on _Sabatai_, who had not onely declared himself the +_King_ of _Israel_, but also published Prophesies fatal to the _Grand +Signior_ and his Kingdoms. + +With this consideration, and others preceding, the _Jews_ flock in great +numbers to the _Castle_, where he was imprisoned, not onely from the +neighbouring parts, but also from _Poland_, _Germanie_, _Legorne_, +_Venice_, _Amsterdam_, and other places where the _Jews_ reside: on all +whom, as a reward of the expence, and labours of their pilgrimage, +_Sabatai_ bestowed plenty of his benedictions, promising encrease of +their store, and enlargement of their Possessions in the _Holy-Land_. +And so great was the confluence of the _Jews_ to this place, that the +_Turks_ thought it requisite to make their advantage thereof, and so +not onely raised the price of their Provision, Lodgings, and other +Necessaries, but also denied to admit any to the presence of _Sabatai_, +unless for money, setting the price, sometimes at five, sometimes at ten +_Dollers_, or more or less, according as they guessed at their +abilities, or zeal of the person, by which gain and advantage to the +_Turks_ no complaints or advices were carried to _Adrianople_, either of +the concourse of people, or arguments amongst the _Jews_ in that place; +but rather all civilities, and libertie indulged unto them, which served +as a farther argument to ensnare this poor people in the belief of their +_Messiah_. + +During this time of confinement, _Sabatai_ had leisure to compose and +institute a new method of Worship for the _Jews_, and principally the +manner of the celebration of the day of his _Nativity_, which he +prescribed in this manner. + + Brethren, and my People, men of _Religion_ inhabiting the _City_ + of _Smyrna_ the renowned, where live men, and women, and + families; Peace be unto you from the Lord of Peace, and from me + his beloved son, King _Salomon_. I command you that the ninth + day of the Moneth of _Ab_ (which according to our account + answered that year to the Moneth of _June_) next to come, you + make a day of Invitation, and of great Joy, celebrating it with + choice meats and pleasing drinks, with many Candles and Lamps, + with Musick and Songs, because it is the day of the Birth of + _Sabatai Sevi_, the high King above all kings of the Earth. And + as to matters of labour, and other things of like nature, do, as + becomes you, upon a day of Festival, adorned with your finest + garments. As to your Prayers, let the same order be used as upon + Festivals. To converse with _Christians_ on that day is + unlawful, though your Discourse be of matters indifferent, all + labour is forbidden, but to sound instruments is lawful. This + shall be the method and substance of your Prayers on this day of + Festival: After you have said, Blessed be thou, O holy God! then + proceed and say, Thou hast chosen us before all people, and + hast loved us, and hast been delighted with us, and hast humbled + us more than all other Nations, and hast sanctified us with thy + Precepts, and hast brought us near to thy service, and the + service of our King. Thy holy, great, and terrible Name thou + hast published amongst us: and hast given us, O Lord God, + according to thy love, time of Joy, of Festivals, and times of + Mirth, and this day of Consolation for a solemn Convocation of + Holiness, for the Birth of our King the _Messiah, Sabatai Sevi_ + thy servant, and first-born son in love, through whom we + commemorate our coming out of _Egypt_. And then you shall read + for your Lesson the 1, 2, and 3 Chapters of _Deut._ to the 17 + verse, appointing for the reading thereof five men, in a perfect + and uncorrupted Bible, adding thereunto the Blessings of the + Morning, as are prescribed for days of Festival: and for the + Lesson out of the Prophets usually read in the _Synagogue_ every + _Sabbath_: you shall read the 31 Chapt. of _Jeremiah_. To your + Prayer called _Mussaf_ (used in the _Synagogue_ every _Sabbath_ + and solemn Festival) you shall adjoyn that of the present + Festival; In stead of the sacrifice of Addition, of the + returning of the _Bible_ to its place, you shall read with an + Audible Voice, Clear Sound, the _Psalm_ 95. And at the first + Praises in the Morning, after you have Sang _Psalm_ 91, and just + before you Sing _Psalm_ 98, you shall repeate _Psalm_ 132 but in + the last Verse, where it is said, _As for his Enemies I shall + cloath them with shame, but upon himself shall his Crown + flourish_; in the place of (_upon himself_) you shall read _upon + the most High_: after which shall follow the 126 _Psalm_, and + then the 113 to the 119. + + At the Consecration of the Wine upon the Vigil, or Even, you + shall make mention of the Feast of Consolation, which is the day + of the Birth of our King the Messiah _Sabatai Sevi_ thy Servant, + and First-born Son, giving the Blessing as followeth: Blessed be + thou our God, King of the World, who hast made us to live, and + hast maintain'd us, and hast kept us alive unto this time. Upon + the Eve of this day you shall Read also the 81 _Psalm_, as also + the 132 and 126 _Psalmes_, which are appointed for the Morning + Praises. And this day shall be unto you for a Remembrance of a + Solemn Day unto eternal Ages, and a perpetual testimony between + me, and the Sons of _Israel_. + + _Audite Audiendo & manducate bonam._ + +Besides which Order, and Method of Prayers for Solemnization of his +Birth, he prescribed other Rules for Divine Service, and particularly +published the same Indulgence and Priviledge to every one who should +Pray at the Tomb of his Mother; as if he had taken on him a Pilgrimage +to Pray, and Sacrifice at _Jerusalem_. + +The Devotion of the _Jewes_ toward this pretended _Messiah_ increased +still more and more, so that onely the Chief of the City went to attend, +and proffer their service toward him in the time of his Imprisonment, +but likewise decked their _Synagogue_ with _S. S._ in Letters of Gold, +making for him on the Wall a Crown, in the Circle of which was wrote the +91 _Psalm_ at length, in faire and legible Characters; attributing the +same titles to _Sabatai_, and Expounding the _Scriptures_ in the same +manner in favour of his Appearance, as we do of our _Saviour_. However +some of the _Jewes_ remain'd in their Wits all this time, amongst which +was a certain _Chocham_ at _Smyrna_, one zealous of his Law, and of the +good and safety of his Nation: and observing in what a wilde manner the +whole People of the _Jewes_ was transported, with the groundless beliefe +of a _Messiah_, leaving not onely their Trade, and course of living, but +publishing Prophesies of a speedy Kingdome, of rescue from the Tyranny +of the _Turk_, and leading the Grand _Signior_ himself Captive in +Chaines; matters so dangerous and obnoxious to the State wherein they +lived, as might justly convict them of Treason and Rebellion, and leave +them to the Mercy of that Justice, which on the least jealousie and +suspicion of Matters of this nature, uses to extirpate Families, and +subvert the Mansion-houses of their own People, much rather of the +_Jewes_, on whom the _Turkes_ would gladly take occasion to dispoile +them of their Estates, and condemn the whole Nation to perpetual +slavery. And indeed it would have been a greater wonder then ever +_Sabatai_ shewed, that the _Turkes_ took no advantage from all these +extravagances, to dreine the _Jewes_ of a considerable Sum of Money, and +set their whole Race in _Turky_ at a Ransome, had not these Passages +yielded them matter of Pastime, and been the Subject of the _Turkes_ +Laughter and Scorne; supposing it a Disparagement to the greatness of +the _Ottoman_ Empire, to be concerned for the Rumors and Combustions of +this Dispersed People. With these considerations this _Chocham_, that he +might clear himself of the blood and guilt of his Countrey-men, and +concern'd in the common destruction, goes before the _Cadi_, and there +protests against the present Doctrine; Declaring, that he had no hand in +setting up of _Sabatai_, but was an Enemy both to him and to his whole +Sect. This freedome of the _Chocham_ so enraged and scandalized the +_Jewes_, that they judged no Condemnation or Punishment too severe +against such an Offender and Blasphemer of their Law, and Holiness of +the _Messiah_; and therefore with Money and Presents to the _Cadi_, +accusing him as Disobedient in a Capital nature to their Government, +obtain'd sentence against him, to have his Beard shaved, and to be +condemn'd to the _Gallies_. There wanted nothing now to the appearance +of the _Messiah_, and the solemnity of his coming, but the presence of +_Elias_, whom the _Jewes_ began to expect hourely, and with that +attention and earnestness, that every Dreame, or Phantasme to a weak +head was judged to be _Elias_; it being taught, and averred, that he was +seen in divers formes and shapes, not to be certainly discovered or +known, before the coming of the _Messiah_; for this superstition is so +far fixed amongst them, that generally in their Families they spread a +Table for _Elias_ the Prophet, to which they make an Invitation of Poor +people, leaving the chief place for the Lord _Elias_, whom they believe +to be invisibly present at the entertainment, and there to Eate, and +Drink, without dimunition, either of the Dishes, or of the Cup. One +person amongst the _Jewes_ commanded his Wife after a supper of this +kind, to leave the Cup filled with Wine, and the Meat standing all +night, for _Elias_ to Feast, and Rejoyce alone; And in the morning +arising early, affirmed, that _Elias_ took this Banquet so kindly, that +in token of gratitude, and acceptance, he had replenish'd the Cup with +Oyle, in stead of Wine. It is a certain Custome amongst the _Jewes_ on +the Evening of the _Sabbath_, to repeate certain Praises of God (called +_Havdila_) which signifies a distinction, or separation of the Sabbath +from the prophane dayes (as they call them) which Praises they observe +to performe in this manner. One takes a Cup filled with Wine, and drops +it through the whole House, saying, _Elias_ the Prophet, _Elias_ the +Prophet, _Elias_ the Prophet, come quickly to us with the _Messiah_, the +_Son_ of _God_, and _David_; and this they affirme to be so acceptable +to _Elias_, that he never failes to preserve that family, so devoted to +him, and augment it with the blessings of Increase. Many other things +the _Jewes_ avouch of _Elias_, so ridiculous, as are not fit to be +declar'd, amongst which this one is not far from our purpose, that at +the Circumcision there is alwayes a Chair set for _Elias_: And _Sabatai +Sevi_ being once Invited at _Smyrna_ to the Circumcision of the +First-borne Son of one _Abraham Gutiere_, a Kinsman of _Sabatai_, and +all things ready for the Ceremony, _Sabatai Sevi_ exhorted the Parents +of the Child to expect a while until his farther Order: After a good +halfe hour, _Sabatai_ order'd them to proceed and cut the _Prepuce_ of +the Child, which was instantly perform'd with all joy and satisfaction +to the Parents: and being afterwards demanded the reason why he retarded +the performance of that Function, his answer was, That _Elias_ had not +as yet taken his Seat, whom, as soon as he saw placed, he ordered them +to proceed; and that now shortly _Elias_ would discover himself openly, +and proclaime the newes of the general Redemption. + +This being the common Opinion amongst the _Jewes_, and that _Sabatai +Sevi_ was the _Messiah_, being become an Article of Faith, it was not +hard to perswade them, that _Elias_ was come already, that they met him +in their Dishes, in the darke, in their Bed chambers, or any where else +invisible, in the same manner as our common People in _England_ believe +of _Hobgoblins_, and _Fairies_. For so it was, when _Solomon Cremona_, +an Inhabitant of _Smyrna_, making a great Feast, to which the Principal +_Jewes_ of the _City_ were Invited, after they had eaten and drank +freely, one starts from his Seat, and avouches, that he saw _Elias_ upon +the Wall, and with that bowes to him, and Complements him with all +Reverence and humility: Some others having in like manner their Fancies +prepossessed, and their Eyes with the Fume of Wine ill prepared to +distinguish shadowes, immediately agreed upon the Object, and then there +was not one in the Company who would say he did not see him: at which +surprize every one was struck with reverence and awe; and the most +Eloquent amongst them, having their Tongues loosed with Joy, and Wine, +directed _Orations_, _Encomiums_, and acts of Thankfulness to _Elias_, +courting and complementing him, as distracted Lovers doe the supposed +presence of their Mistresses. Another _Jew_ at _Constantinople_ +reported, that he met _Elias_ in the Streets, habited like a _Turke_, +with whom he had a long Communication; and that he enjoyn'd the +Observation of many neglected Ceremonies, and particularly the _Zezit_, +_Numb._ 15. _v._ 38. _Speak unto the children of_ Israel, _and bid them +that they make_ Fringes _in the Borders of their Garments, throughout +their Generations, and that they put upon the Fringe of the Border a_ +Ribbon _of blue_. Also the _Peos_, Levit. 19. v. 27. _Ye shall not round +the corners of your Head, nor marr the corners of your Beard_: This +Apparition of _Elias_ being believed as soon as Published, every one +began to obey the Vision, by Fringing their Garments; and for their +Heads, though alwayes shaved, according to the _Turkish_ and Eastern +Fashion, and that the suffering Hair to grow, to men not accustomed, was +heavy, and incommodious to their healths and heads; yet to begin again +to renew, as far as was possible, the antient Ceremonies, every one +nourished a lock of hair on each side, which might be visible beneath +their Caps; which soon after began to be a Sign of distinction between +the _Believers_ and _Kophrims_, a name of dishonour, signifying as much +as _Unbelievers_; or _Hereticks_, given to those who confessed not +_Sabatai_ to be the _Messiah_; which particulars, if not observed, it +was declared, as a Menace of _Elias_, that the People of the _Jewes_, +who come from the River _Sabation_ as is specifyed in the second +_Esdras_, Chap. 13. shall take vengeance of those who are guilty of +these Omissions. + +But to return again to _Sabatai Sevi_ himself, we find him still +remaining a Prisoner in the _Castle_ of _Abydos_ upon the _Hellespont_, +admir'd and ador'd by his Brethren, with more honor then before, and +visited by Pilgrimes from all parts where the fame of the coming of the +_Messiah_ had arriv'd; amongst which one from _Poland_, named _Nehemiah +Cohen_, was of special note, and renown, learned in the _Hebrew_, +_Syriack_, and _Chaldee_, and versed in the Doctrine and _Kabala_ of the +_Rabines_, as well as _Sabatai_ himself, one (of whom it was said) had +not this _Sevi_ anticipated the Design, esteemed himself as able a +Fellow to Act the Part of a _Messiah_ as the other: Howsoever, it being +now too late to publish any such Pretence, _Sabatai_ having now eleven +Points of the Law by Possession of the Office, and with that the Hearts +and Belief of the _Jewes_: _Nehemiah_ was contented with some small +appendage, or Relation to a _Messiah_; and therefore to lay his Design +the better, desired a Private Conference with _Sabatai_: These two great +Rabbines being together, a hot Dispute arose between them; For _Cohen_ +alleadged that according to Scripture, and Exposition of the Learned +thereupon, there were to be two _Messiahs_, one called _Ben Ephraim_, +and the other _Ben David_: the first was to be a Preacher of the _Law_, +poor, and despised, and a Servant of the Second, and his Fore-runner; +the other was to be great and rich, to restore the _Jewes_ to +_Jerusalem_, to sit upon the Throne of _David_, and to performe and act +all those Triumphs and Conquests which were expected from _Sabatai_. +_Nehemiah_ was contented to be _Ben Ephraim_, the afflicted and poor +_Messiah_; And _Sabatai_ (for any thing I hear) was well enough +contented he should be so: but that _Nehemiah_ accused him for being too +forward in publishing himself the latter _Messiah_, before _Ben Ephraim_ +had first been known unto the World. _Sabatai_ took this reprehension +so ill, either out of pride, and thoughts of his own infallibility, or +that he suspected _Nehemiah_, being once admitted for _Ben Ephraim_, +would quickly (being a subtile and learned person) perswade the World +that he was _Ben David_, would by no means understand, or admit of this +Doctrine, or of _Ben Ephraim_ for a necessary Officer: And thereupon the +Dispute grew so hot, and the Controversie so irreconcileable, as was +taken notice of by the _Jewes_, and controverted amongst them, as every +one fancy'd: But _Sabatai_ being of greater Authority, his Sentence +prevail'd, and _Nehemiah_ was rejected, as _Schismatical_, and an Enemy +to the _Messiah_, which afterward proved the ruine and downfal of this +_Impostor_. + +For _Nehemiah_ being thus baffled, and being a person of Authority, and +a haughty Spirit, meditated nothing but revenge; to execute which to the +full, he takes a Journey to _Adrianople_, and there informes the Chief +Ministers of State, and Officers of the Court, who (by reason of the +gain the _Turks_ made of their Prisoner at the _Castle_ on the +_Hellespont_) heard nothing of all this Concourse of People, and +Prophesies of the Revolt of the _Jews_ from their Obedience to the +_Grand Signior_; and taking likewise to his _Counsel_ some certain +discontented and unbelieving _Chochams_, who being zealous for their +Nation, and jealous of the ill-consequences of this long-continued, and +increasing Madness, took liberty to informe the _Chimacham_ (who was +Deputy of the Great _Vizier_ then at _Candia_) that the _Jew_, Prisoner +at the _Castle_, called _Sabatai Sevi_, was a Lewd Person, and one who +indeavoured to debauch the mindes of the _Jewes_, and divert them from +their honest course of livelihood, and Obedience to the _Grand Signior_; +and that therefore it was necessary to clear the World of so Factious +and dangerous a Spirit: The _Chimacham_ being thus informed, could do no +less then acquaint the _Grand Signior_ with all the particulars of this +Mans Condition, Course of Life, and Doctrine; which were no sooner +understood, but a _Chiaux_, or _Messenger_, was immediately dispatched, +to bring up _Sabatai Sevi_ to _Adrianople_. The _Chiaux_ executed his +Commission after the _Turkish_ fashion in hast, and brought _Sabatai_ +in a few days to _Adrianople_, without further excuse or ceremony; not +affording him an hours space to take a solemn farewel of his Friends, +his Followers and Adorers; who now were come to the vertical point of +all their hopes and expectations. + +The _Grand Signior_ having by this time received divers informations of +the madness of the _Jews_, and the pretences of _Sabatai_; grew big with +desire and expectation to see him: so that he no sooner arrived at +_Adrianople_, but the same hour he was brought before the _Grand +Signior_: _Sabatai_ appeared much dejected, and failing of that courage +which he shewed in the _Synagogue_; and being demanded several Questions +in _Turkish_ by the _Grand Signior_, he would not trust so farr to the +vertue of his _Messiahship_, as to deliver himself in the _Turkish +Language_; but desired a _Doctor_ of _Physick_, (who had from a _Jew_ +turned _Turk_,) to be his interpreter, which was granted to him; but not +without reflection of the standers by; that had he been the _Messiah_, +and _Son of God_, as he formerly pretended, his tongue would have flown +with varietie, as well as with the perfection of Languages. But the +_Grand Signior_ would not be put off without a _Miracle_, and it must be +one of his own choice: which was, that _Sabatai_ should be stript naked, +and set as a mark to his dexterous Archers: if the Arrows passed not his +body, but that his flesh and skin was proof like armour, then he would +believe him to be the _Messiah_, and the person whom God had design'd to +those Dominions, and Greatnesses, he pretended. But now _Sabatai_ not +having faith enough to stand to so sharp a trial, renounced all his +title to Kingdoms and Governments, alledging that he was an ordinary +_Chocham_, and a poor _Jew_, as others were, and had nothing of +Priviledge, or Vertue above the rest. The _Grand Signior_ +notwithstanding, not wholly satisfied with this plain confession, +declared, that having given publique scandal to the Professors of the +_Mahometan_ religion, and done dishonour to his Soveraign authoritie, by +pretending to draw such a considerable portion from him, as the Land of +_Palestine_; his treason and crime was not to be expiated by any other +means then by a conversion to the _Mahometan_ faith, which if he refus'd +to do, the stake was ready at the gate of the _Seraglio_ to empale him. +_Sabatai_ being now reduced to extremitie of his latter game; not being +the least doubtful what to do; for to die for what he was assured was +false, was against nature, and the death of a mad man: replyed with much +chearfulness, that he was contented to turn _Turk_, and that it was not +of force, but of choice, having been a long time desirous of so glorious +a Profession, he esteemed himself much honored, that he had opportunity +to own it; first in the presence of the _Grand Signior_. And here was +the _non plus ultra_ of all the bluster and noise of this vain Impostor. +And now the _Reader_ may be pleased to pause a while and contemplate the +strange point of consternation, shame, and silence, to which the _Jews_ +were reduc't, when they understood how speedily their hopes were +vanished, and how poorly and ignominiously all their fancies and +promises of a new Kingdom, their _Pageantry_, and Offices of Devotion, +were past like a tale, or a midnights dream: And as this was concluded, +and the _Jews_ sunk on a sudden, and fallen flat in their hopes, without +so much as a line of comfort, or excuse from _Sabatai_; more than in +general, to all the brethren. That now they should apply themselves to +their Callings and services of God, as formerly, for that matters +relating unto him were finished and the sentence past. The news that +_Sabatai_ was turned _Turk_, and the _Messiah_ to a _Mahumetan_, quickly +filled all parts of _Turky_. The _Jews_ were strangely surprized at it, +and ashamed of their easie belief, of the arguments with which they had +perswaded one the other, and of the Proselytes they had made in their +own families. Abroad they became the common derision of the Towns where +they inhabited: the Boys shouted after them, coyning a new word at +_Smyrna_ (_Ponftai_) which every one seeing a _Jew_, with a finger +pointed out, would pronounce with scorn and contempt: so that this +deceived people for a long time after remained with confusion, silence, +and dejection of spirit. And yet most of them affirm that _Sabatai_ is +not turned _Turk_, but his shadow onely remains on earth, and walks with +a white head, and in the habit of a _Mahumetan_: but that his natural +body and soul are taken into heaven, there to reside until the time +appointed for accomplishment of these wonders: and this opinion began so +commonly to take place, as if this people resolved never to be +undeceived, using the forms and rules for Devotion prescribed them by +their _Mahumetan Messiah_: Insomuch that the _Chochams_ of +_Constantinople_, fearing the danger of this error might creep up, and +equal the former, condemned the belief of _Sabatai_ being _Messiah_, as +damnable, and enjoyned them to return to the antient Method and Service +of God upon pain of _Excommunication_. The style and tenure of them was +as followeth. + + _To you who have the power of Priesthood, and are the knowing, + learned, and magnanimous Governours and Princes, residing in the + Citie of_ Smyrna, _may the Almighty God protect you_, Amen: _for + so is his will_. + + These our Letters, which we send in the midst of your + habitations, are upon occasion of certain rumors and tumults + come to our ears from that Citie of your Holiness. For there is + a sort of men amongst you, who fortifie themselves in their + error, and say, let such a one our King, live, and bless him in + their publique _Synagogues_ every _Sabbath day_: + + [Sidenote: The _Jews_ scruple to say, the _head_ of _Israel_.] + + And also adjoyn Psalms and Hymns, invented by that man, for + certain days, with Rules and Methods for Prayer, which ought not + to be done, and yet they will still remain obstinate therein; + and now behold it is known unto you, how many swelling Waters + have passed over our Souls, for his sake, for had it not been + for the Mercies of God, which are without end, and the merit of + our forefathers, which hath assisted us; the _foot_ of _Israel_ + had been razed out by their enemies. And yet you continue + obstinate in things which do not help, but rather do mischief, + which God avert. Turn you therefore, for this is not the true + way, but restore the Crown to the antient custom and use of + your forefathers, and the law, and from thence do not move; We + command you that with your authoritie, under pain of + _Excommunication_, and other penalties, that all those + Ordinances and Prayers, as well those delivered by the mouth of + that man, as those which he enjoyned by the mouth of others, be + all abolished and made void, and to be found no more, and that + they never enter more into your hearts, but judge according to + the antient commandment of your Forefathers, repeating the same + Lessons and Prayers every _Sabbath_, as hath been accustomary, + as also _Collects_ for Kings, Potentates, and anointed, &c. And + bless the King, _Sultan Mahomet_, for in his days hath great + Salvation been wrought for _Israel_, and become not Rebels to + his Kingdom, which God forbid. For after all this, which is + past, the least motion will be a cause of jealousie, and you + will bring ruine upon your own persons, and upon all which is + near and dear to you, wherefore abstain from the thoughts of + this man, and let not so much as his name proceed out of your + mouths. For know, if you will not obey us herein, which will be + known, who, and what those men are, who refuse to conform unto + us, we are resolved to prosecute them, as our duty is. He that + doth hear, and obey us, may the Blessing of God rest upon him. + These are the words of those who seek your Peace and Good, + having in _Constantinople_, on _Sunday_ the fifth of the Moneth + _Sevat_, underwrot their names. + + _Joam Tob_ son of _Chananiah Ben-Jacar_. + _Isaac Alnacagna._ + _Joseph Kazabi._ + _Manasseh Barndo._ + _Kalib_ son of _Samuel_. + _Eliezer Castie._ + _Eliezer Gherson._ + _Joseph Accohen._ + _Eliezer Aluff._ + +During the time of all these transactions and passages at +_Constantinople_, _Smyrna_, _Abydos_, upon the _Helespont_, and +_Adrianople_, the _Jews_ leaving their Merchantile course, and advices, +what prizes commodities bear and matters of Traffique, stuffed their +Letters for _Italy_ and other parts, with nothing but wonders and +miracles wrought by their false _Messiah_. As then when the _Grand +Signior_ sent to take him, he caused all the Messengers immediately to +die, upon which other _Janizaries_ being again sent, they all fell dead +with a word only from his mouth; and being desired to revive them again, +he immediately recall'd them to life; but of them onely such who were +true _Turks_, and not those who had denied that faith in which they were +born, and had profest. After this they added, that he went voluntarily +to prison, and though the gates were barr'd and shut with strong Locks +of Iron, yet that _Sabatai_ was seen to walk through the streets with a +numerous attendance, and when they laid Shackles on his neck and feet, +they not onely fell from him, but were converted into Gold, with which +he gratified his true and faithful believers and disciples. Some +Miracles also were reported of _Nathan_, that onely at reading the name +of any particular man, or woman, he would immediately recount the Story +of his, or her life, their sins or defaults, and accordingly impose just +correction and penance for them. These strong reports coming thus +confidently into _Italy_ and all parts, the _Jews_ of _Casel di +Monferrato_ resolved to send three persons in behalf of their society, +in the nature of extraordinary _Legates_, to _Smyrna_, to make inquiry +after the truth of all these rumors, who accordingly arriving in +_Smyrna_, full of expectation and hopes, intending to present themselves +with great Humility and Submission before their _Messiah_ and his +Prophet _Nathan_, were entertain'd with the sad news, that _Sabatai_ was +turned _Turk_, by which information the Character of their _Embassy_ in +a manner ceasing, every one of them laying aside the formalitie of his +function, endeavoured to lodge himself best to his own convenience. But +that they might return to their brethren at home, with the certain +particulars of the Success of the affairs, they made a visit to the +brother of _Sabatai_; who still continued to perswade them, that +_Sabatai_ was notwithstanding the true _Messiah_, that it was not he who +had taken on him the habit and form of a _Turk_, but his _Angel_ or +_Spirit_, his body being ascended into Heaven, until God shall again see +the season, and time to restore it, adding further, that an effect +hereof they should see by the prophet _Nathan_, certified, now every day +expected, who having wrought _Miracles_ in many places, would also for +their Consolation, reveal hidden secrets unto them, with which they +should not onely remain satisfied, but astonished. With this onely hope +of _Nathan_, these _Legates_ were a little comforted, resolving to +attend his arrival, in regard they had a Letter to consign into his +hands, and according to their instructions, were to demand of him the +grounds he had for his Prophesies, and what assurance he had, that he +was divinely inspir'd, and how these things were reveal'd unto him, +which he had committed to Paper, and dispersed to all parts of the +World. At length _Nathan_ arrives near _Smyrna_, on Friday the third of +_March_, towards the Evening, and on _Sunday_ these _Legates_ made their +visit to him: But _Nathan_, upon news of the success of his beloved +_Messiah_, began to grow sullen and reserved; So that the _Legates_ +could scarce procure admittance to him; all that they could do was to +inform him, that they had a Letter to him from the brother-hood of +_Italy_, and commission to conferr with him concerning the foundation +and authority he had for his prophesies; but _Nathan_ refused to take +the Letter, ordering _Kain Abolafio_ a _Chocham_ of the City of _Smyrna_ +to receive it; so that the _Legates_ returned ill contented, but yet +with hopes at _Nathan_'s arrival at _Smyrna_ to receive better +satisfaction. + +But whilst _Nathan_ intended to enter into _Smyrna_, the _Chochams_ of +_Constantinople_, being before advised of his resolution to take a +Journey into their parts, not knowing by which way he might come, sent +their Letters and Orders to _Smyrna_, _Prussia_, and every way round, to +hinder his passage, and interrupt his journey; fearing that things +beginning now to compose, the _Turks_ appeas'd for the former disorders, +and the minds of the _Jews_ in some manner setled, might be moved, and +combustions burst out afresh, by the appearance of this new _Impostor_; +And therefore dispatched this Letter as followeth. + + _To you who are the Shepherds of Israel, and Rulers, who reside + for the great God of the whole World, in the_ Citie _of_ Smyrna, + _which is_ Mother _in_ Israel, _to her Princes, her Priests, her + Judges, and especially to the perfect wise men, and of great + experience, may the Lord God cause you to live before him, and + delight in the multitude of Peace_, Amen, _so be the will of the + Lord_. + + These our Letters are dispatched unto you, to let you + understand, that in the place of your Holiness, we have heard + that the learned man, which was in _Gaza_, called _Nathan_, + _Benjamin_, hath published Vaine Doctrines, and made the World + Tremble at his Words and Inventions; And that at this time we + have receiv'd Advice, that this man some dayes since, departed + from _Gaza_, and took his Journey by the way of _Scanderone_, + intending there to Imbarke for _Smyrna_, and thence to go to + _Constantinople_, or _Adrianople_: And though it seem a strange + thing unto us, that any Man should have a desire to throw + himself into a place of Flames, and Fire, and into the Sparkes + of _Hell_; notwithstanding we ought to fear, and suspect it; + _For the Feet of Man alwayes guide him to the worst_: Wherefore + we Under-written do Advertise you, that this Man coming within + the compass of your Jurisdiction, you give a stop to his + Journey, and not suffer him to proceed farther, but presently to + return back. For we would have you know, that at his coming, he + will again begin to move those Tumults, which have been caused + through the Imaginations of a New Kingdome; _And that Miracles + are not to be Wrought every day_. + + God forbid that by his coming the People of God should be + destroy'd in all places where they are, of which he will be the + first, whose Blood be upon his own Head: For in this + Conjuncture, every little Error or Fault is made Capital. You + may remember the Danger of the first Combustion: And it is very + probable that he will be an occasion of greater, which the + Tongue is not able to express with Words. And therefore by + Vertue of Ours, and Your own Authority, you are to hinder him + from proceeding farther in his Journey, upon paine of all those + Excommunications which Our _Law_ can Impose, and to force him to + return back again, both he, and his Company. But if he shall in + any manner Oppose you, and Rebel against your Word, your + Indeavours and Law are sufficient to hinder him, for it will be + well for him and all _Israel_. + + For the Love of God, let these Words enter into your Eares, + since they are not vain things; for the Lives of all the + _Jewes_, and his also, consist therein. And the Lord God behold + from Heaven, and have pitty upon his People _Israel_, Amen. So + be his holy Will: Written by those who seek your Peace. + + _Joam Tob_, Son of _Chanania Jacar_. + _Moise Benveniste._ + _Caleb_ Son of _Chocham, Samuel_ deceased. + _Isaac Aloenacagne._ + _Joseph Kazabi._ + _Samuel Acazsine._ + _Moise Barndo._ + _Elihezer Aluff._ + _Jehoshuah Raphael Benveniste._ + +By these meanes _Nathan_ being disappointed of his Wandring Progress, +and partly ashamed of the event of Things contrary to his Prophesie, +was resolved, without entring _Smyrna_, to returne again: Howsoever he +obtained leave to visit the _Sepulcher_ of his _Mother_, and there to +receive Pardon of his Sins (according to the Institution of _Sabatai_ +before mentioned) but first washed himself in the Sea, in manner of +Purification, and said his _Tephilla_, or _Prayers_, at the Fountain, +called by us the Fountain _Sancta Veneranda_, which is near to the +_Cymetry_ of the _Jewes_, and then departed for _Zion_ with two +Companions, a Servant, and three _Turks_, to conduct him, without +admitting the _Legates_ to Audience, or answering the Letter which was +sent him, from all the Communities of the _Jewes_ in _Italy_. And thus +the Embassy of these Legates was concluded, and they returned from the +place from whence they came, and the _Iewes_ again to their Wits, +following their Trade of Merchandize and Brokage as formerly, with more +quiet, and advantage, then the meanes of regaining their Possessions in +the Land of Promise. And thus ended this mad _Phrensie_ amongst the +_Iewes_, which might have cost them dear, had not _Sabatai_ Renounce't +his _Messiaship_ at the Feet of _Mahomet_. + +THE END + + + + +THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY + +WILLIAM ANDREWS CLARK +MEMORIAL LIBRARY +UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. LOS ANGELES + +PUBLICATIONS IN PRINT + +[Illustration: Decoration] + +1948-1949 +16. Henry Nevil Payne, _The Fatal Jealousie_ (1673). +18. Anonymous, "Of Genius," in _The Occasional Paper_, Vol. III, No. 10 +(1719), and Aaron Hill, Preface to _The Creation_ (1720). + +1949-1950 +19. Susanna Centlivre, _The Busie Body_ (1709). +20. Lewis Theobald, _Preface to the Works of Shakespeare_ (1734). +22. Samuel Johnson, _The Vanity of Human Wishes_ (1749), and two +_Rambler_ papers (1750). +23. John Dryden, _His Majesties Declaration Defended_ (1681). + +1950-1951 +26. Charles Macklin, _The Man of the World_ (1792). + +1951-1952 +31. Thomas Gray, _An Elegy Wrote in a Country Churchyard_ (1751), and +_The Eton College Manuscript_. + +1952-1953 +41. Bernard Mandeville, _A Letter to Dion_ (1732). + +1962-1963 +98. _Select Hymns Taken Out of Mr. Herbert's Temple_ (1697). + +1963-1964 +104. Thomas D'Urfey, _Wonders in the Sun_; or, _The Kingdom of the +Birds_ (1706). + +1964-1965 +110. John Tutchin, _Selected Poems_ (1685-1700). +111. Anonymous, _Political Justice_ (1736). +112. Robert Dodsley, _An Essay on Fable_ (1764). +113. T. R., _An Essay Concerning Critical and Curious Learning_ (1698). +114. _Two Poems Against Pope_: Leonard Welsted, _One Epistle to Mr. A. +Pope_ (1730), and Anonymous, _The Blatant Beast_ (1742). + +1965-1966 +115. Daniel Defoe and others, _Accounts of the Apparition of Mrs. Veal_. +116. Charles Macklin, _The Covent Garden Theatre_ (1752). +117. Sir George L'Estrange, _Citt and Bumpkin_ (1680). +118. Henry More, _Enthusiasmus Triumphatus_ (1662). +119. Thomas Traherne, _Meditations on the Six Days of the Creation_ +(1717). +120. Bernard Mandeville, _Aesop Dress'd or a Collection of Fables_ +(1704). + +1966-1967 +122. James MacPherson, _Fragments of Ancient Poetry_ (1760). +123. Edmond Malone, _Cursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Mr. +Thomas Rowley_ (1782). +124. Anonymous, _The Female Wits_ (1704). +125. Anonymous, _The Scribleriad_ (1742). Lord Hervey, _The Difference +Between Verbal and Practical Virtue_ (1742). +126. _Le Lutrin: an Heroick Poem, Written Originally in French by +Monsieur Boileau: Made English by N. O._ (1682). + + * * * * * + +Subsequent publications may be checked in the annual prospectus. + +Publications #1 through 90, of the first fifteen years of Augustan +Reprint Society, are available in bound units at $14.00 per unit of six +from: + + KRAUS REPRINT CORPORATION + 16 East 46th Street + New York, N.Y. 10017 + +Publications in print are available at the regular membership rate of +$5.00 yearly. Prices of single issues may be obtained upon request. + + + + +William Andrews Clark Memorial Library: +University of California, Los Angeles + +THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY + +_General Editors_: George Robert Guffey, +University of California, Los Angeles; + +Maximillian E. Novak, University of California, Los Angeles; +Robert Vosper, William Andrews Clark Memorial Library. + +_Corresponding Secretary_: +Mrs. Edna C. Davis, William Andrews Clark Memorial Library. + + The Society's purpose is to publish reprints (usually facsimile + reproductions) of rare seventeenth and eighteenth century works. + All income of the Society is devoted to defraying costs of + publication and mailing. + + Correspondence concerning memberships in the United States and + Canada should be addressed to the William Andrews Clark Memorial + Library, 2520 Cimarron St., Los Angeles, California. + Correspondence concerning editorial matters may be addressed to + any of the general editors at the same address. Manuscripts of + introductions should conform to the recommendations of the MLA + _Style Sheet_. The membership fee is $5.00 a year in the United + States and Canada and 30/- in Great Britain and Europe. British + and European prospective members should address B. H. Blackwell, + Broad Street, Oxford, England. Copies of back issues in print + may be obtained from the Corresponding Secretary. + + +PUBLICATIONS FOR 1967-1968 + +127-128. Charles Macklin, _A Will and No Will, or a Bone for the +Lawyers_ (1746). _The New Play Criticiz'd, or The Plague of Envy_ +(1747). Introduction by Jean B. Kern. +129. Lawrence Echard, Prefaces to _Terence's Comedies_ (1694) and +_Plautus's Comedies_ (1694). Introduction by John Barnard. +130. Henry More, _Democritus Platonissans_ (1646). Introduction by P. G. +Stanwood. +131. John Evelyn, _The History of ... Sabatai Sevi ... The Suppos'd +Messiah of the Jews_ (1669). Introduction by Christopher W. Grose. +132. Walter Harte, _An Essay on Satire, Particularly on the Dunciad_ +(1730). Introduction by Thomas B. Gilmore. + + +ANNOUNCEMENTS: + + Next in the series of special publications by the Society will + be a volume including Elkanah Settle's _The Empress of Morocco_ + (1673) with six plates; _Notes and Observations on the Empress + of Morocco_ (1674) by John Dryden, John Crowne and Thomas + Shadwell; _Notes and Observations on the Empress of Morocco + Revised_ (1674) by Elkanah Settle; and _The Empress of Morocco. + A Farce_ (1674) by Thomas Duffet, with an Introduction by + Maximillian E. Novak. Already published in this series are + reprints of John Ogilby's _The Fables of Aesop Paraphras'd in + Verse_ (1668), with an Introduction by Earl Miner and John Gay's + _Fables_ (1727, 1738), with an Introduction by Vinton A. + Dearing. Publication is assisted by funds from the Chancellor of + the University of California, Los Angeles. Price to members of + the Society, $2.50 for the first copy and $3.25 for additional + copies. Price to non-members, $4.00. + + +THE AUGUSTAN REPRINT SOCIETY +William Andrews Clark Memorial Library +2520 CIMARRON STREET AT WEST ADAMS BOULEVARD, +LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90018 + +Make check or money order payable to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF +CALIFORNIA. + + * * * * * + + +Transcriber's Notes + +Obvious punctuation errors repaired. + +Illegible and missing letters repaired from the context. + +Third page of "To the Reader": "Transastions" changed to "Transactions" +(most of these Transactions). + +Hyphen removed: "fore[-]fathers" (p. 60). + +Page 45: "Tamnz" changed to "Tamuz". + +Page 46: "Kislen" changed to "Kislev". + +Page 47: "Caelestial" changed to "Coelestial". + +Page 66: duplicate "with" deleted (passed more easily with them). + +Page 72: "Jewt" changed to "Jews" (where the Jews reside). + +Page 78: "Chochan" changed to "Chocham". + +Page 79: "Cocham" changed to "Chocham". + +Page 82: "assoon" changed to "as soon" (as soon as he saw placed). + +Page 99: "Merchantlie" changed to "Merchantile" (leaving their +Merchantile course). + +Page 110: "Xio" changed to "Zion", although this is far from certain. + +Page 110: "rerurned" changed to "returned" (they returned from the +place). + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The History of Sabatai Sevi, by John Evelyn + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF SABATAI SEVI *** + +***** This file should be named 38327.txt or 38327.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/8/3/2/38327/ + +Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Moti Ben-Ari and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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