L'unico figliolo, e primogenito d' dio, Sabatai Sevi,ilMessiah,eSalvatored'Israeleletti didiopace bessendo che sete fatti degni di veder quel grangiorno della deliberatione e Salvatione d'Israel,e consummatione delle parole didio,promess per li sua Profeti, e padri notri, per il suo diletto figlio d'Israel,ogni vestra amaritudine si convertain allegrezza, e li vestri diginguiti facino feste, per che non piangerete O miei figliole d'Israelhavendovi datiiddiola 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.
L'unico figliolo, e primogenito d' dio, Sabatai Sevi,ilMessiah,eSalvatored'Israeleletti didiopace bessendo che sete fatti degni di veder quel grangiorno della deliberatione e Salvatione d'Israel,e consummatione delle parole didio,promess per li sua Profeti, e padri notri, per il suo diletto figlio d'Israel,ogni vestra amaritudine si convertain allegrezza, e li vestri diginguiti facino feste, per che non piangerete O miei figliole d'Israelhavendovi datiiddiola 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 intoEnglish, runs thus;
The Onely, and First-borne Son ofGod,Sabatai Sevi, theMessiahandSaviourofIsrael, to all the Sons ofIsrael, peace. Since that you are made worthy to see that great Day of Deliverance, and Salvation untoIsrael, and Accomplishment of the Word of God, Promised by his Prophets, and our forefathers, and by his Beloved Son ofIsrael: let your bitter sorrowes be turned into Joy, and your Fasts into festivals, for you shall weep no more, O my sons ofIsrael, for God having given you this unspeakable Comfort, rejoyce withDrums,Organs, andMusick, giving thanks to him for performing his Promise from all Ages; doing that every day, which is usual for you to do upon theNew-Moons; and, that Day Dedicatedto 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.
The Onely, and First-borne Son ofGod,Sabatai Sevi, theMessiahandSaviourofIsrael, to all the Sons ofIsrael, peace. Since that you are made worthy to see that great Day of Deliverance, and Salvation untoIsrael, and Accomplishment of the Word of God, Promised by his Prophets, and our forefathers, and by his Beloved Son ofIsrael: let your bitter sorrowes be turned into Joy, and your Fasts into festivals, for you shall weep no more, O my sons ofIsrael, for God having given you this unspeakable Comfort, rejoyce withDrums,Organs, andMusick, giving thanks to him for performing his Promise from all Ages; doing that every day, which is usual for you to do upon theNew-Moons; and, that Day Dedicatedto 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 ofSabatai Seviwere not so numerous, but many opposed his doctrine, publiquely avouching that he was anImpostor, and Deceiver of the people, amongst which was oneSamuel Pennia, a man of a good estate and reputation inSmyrna, who arguing in theSynagogue, that the present signs of the coming of theMessiahwere not apparent, either according to Scripture,or the doctrine of theRabbins, raised such a sedition and tumult amongst theJews, as not onely prevailed against arguments, but had also against his life, had he not timely conveyed himself out of theSynagogue, and thereby escaped the hands of the multitude, who now could more easily endure blasphemy against theLawofMoses, and the prophanation of theSanctuary, than contradiction, or misbelief of the doctrine ofSabatai. But howsoever it fell out,Penniain short time becomes a convert, and preaches upSabataifor theSonofGod, anddelivererof theJews: 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 ofSabatai, and young infants who could yet scarce stammer out a syllable to their mothers, repeat, and pronounce plainly the name ofSabataitheMessiah, and Son of God. For thus farr had God permitted the devil to delude this people, that their very childrenwere 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 theIsraelites, their visions of theLionofJudah, and the triumphs ofSabatai, all which were certainly true, being effects ofDiabolicaldelusions: as theJewsthemselves since have confessed unto me.
With these concomitant accidents, and successes,Sabatai Sevigrowing more presumptuous, that he might correspond with the Prophesies of greatness, and dominion of theMessiah, proceeds to an election of those Princes which were to govern theIsraelitesin their march towards theHoly-Land, and to dispence Judgement and Justice after their Restoration. The names of them were these which follow, men well known atSmyrna, 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 hopefor it as possible, but to expect it as certain.
Isaac Silvera.KingDavid.Salomon Lagnado.wasSalomon.Salom Lagnadojun.namedZovah.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.wasZarobabel.Joseph del Caire.namedJoas.Elcukin Schavit.Amasia.Abraham Rubio.Josiah.
Elias Sevihad the title of theKingof thekingofkings.Elias AzarhisVice-king, orVizier.Joseph Sevi, thekingof thekingsofJudah.Joseph Inernuchhisvice-king.
Elias Sevihad the title of theKingof thekingofkings.
Elias AzarhisVice-king, orVizier.
Joseph Sevi, thekingof thekingsofJudah.
Joseph Inernuchhisvice-king.
In this manner things ran to a strange height of madness amongst theJewsatSmyrna, 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 theJewsin their Faith, and astonishment of theGentiles, it was judged no less than necessary thatSabataishould shew some miracles, whereby to evince to all the World that he was the trueMessiah: 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.Sabataiwas now horribly puzzled for a Miracle, though the imagination of the people was so vitiated that anylegerdemaine,or slight of hand would have passed more easily with them for a wonder thanMosesstriking the rock for water, or dividing thered sea. And occasion happening thatSabataiwas, in behalf of his Subjects, to appear before theCadi, 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, whenSabataiappearing with a formal andpharisaicalgravitie, which he had starcht on: Some on a sudden avouched to see a pillar of fire between him and theCadi, which report presently was heard through the whole room, filled withJewsthat accompaniedSabatai, 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 thatSabatai Sevireturned to his house triumphant, fixed in the hearts of his people, who now needed no further Miracles toconfirm them in their faith. And thus wasSabataiexalted, when no man was thought worthy of communication who did not believe him to be theMessiah: others were calledKophrim, 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 ofSabatai; so that he could have commanded all the wealth ofSmyrna, but he was too subtil to accept their money, least he should render his design suspected by any act of covetousness.Sabatai Sevihaving thus fully fixed himself inSmyrna, and filled other places with rumors of his fame; declared that he was called by God to visitConstantinople, where the greatest part of his work was to be accomplisht; in order whereunto he privately ships himself, with some few attendants in aTurkish Saick, in the Moneth ofJanuary1666. least the crowd of his disciples, and such who would press to follow him, should endanger him in the Eyes of theTurks, who already began to be scandalizedat the reports and prophesies concerning his person. But thoughSabataitook few into the Vessel to him, yet a multitude ofJewstravell'd over land to meet him again atConstantinople, on whom all their Eyes and Expectations were intent. The wind proving northernly, as commonly it is in theHelespontandPropontis;Sabataiwas thirtie nine days in his voyage, and yet the Vessel not arriv'd, so little power had thisMessiahover the Sea and Winds, in which time news being come toConstantinoplethat theJews Messiahwas near, all that people prepared to receive him with the same Joy and Impatience as was exprest in other parts where he arrived; the greatVizier(then also atConstantinople, being not yet departed on his expedition forCandia) having heard some rumors of this man, and the disorder and madness he had raised amongst theJews; sent two Boats, whil'st theSaickwas detained by contrary winds, with commands to bring him up Prisoner to the Port, where accordinglySabataibeing come, was committed to the most loathsom anddarkest Dungeon in the Town, there to remain in farther expectation of theVizierssentence: TheJewswere 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 theJewsto 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 ofIsrael: several of them, with oneAnacago, by name, a man of great esteem amongst theJews, 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. TheJewsinConstantinoplewere now become as mad and distracted as they were in other places, all tradeand 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 atGalata, who not knowing the way to receive their money, partly for their interest, and partly for curiosity thought fit to visit thisSabatai, complayning that such particularJews, 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: whereuponSabataiwith much affectation took Pen and Paper, and wrote to this effect.
To you of the Nation of theJews, who expect the appearance of theMessiah, and the Salvation ofIsrael, Peace without end. Whereas we are informed that you are indebted to several of theEnglishNation: It seemeth right unto us to enorderyou 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.
To you of the Nation of theJews, who expect the appearance of theMessiah, and the Salvation ofIsrael, Peace without end. Whereas we are informed that you are indebted to several of theEnglishNation: It seemeth right unto us to enorderyou 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 mannerSabatai Seviremained a Prisoner atConstantinoplefor the space of two Moneths; at the end of which, theVizierhaving designed his expedition forCandia; and considering the rumor and disturbance the presence ofSabataihad made already atConstantinople, thought it not secure to suffer him to remain in the Imperial Citie, whil'st both theGrand Signiorand himself were absent: and therefore changes his prison to theDardanelli, otherwise called theCastleofAbydos, being on theEuropeside of theHelespont, opposite toSestos, places famous inGreekPoetrie. This removal ofSabataifrom a worse Prison to one of a better air; confirmed theJewswith greater confidence of his beingtheMessiah, supposing that had it been in the power of theVizier, or other Officers of theTurks, to have destroyed his person, they would never have permitted him to have lived to that time, in regard theirMaximesenforce 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 onSabatai, who had not onely declared himself theKingofIsrael, but also published Prophesies fatal to theGrand Signiorand his Kingdoms.
With this consideration, and others preceding, theJewsflock in great numbers to theCastle, where he was imprisoned, not onely from the neighbouring parts, but also fromPoland,Germanie,Legorne,Venice,Amsterdam, and other places where theJewsreside: on all whom, as a reward of the expence, and labours of their pilgrimage,Sabataibestowed plenty of his benedictions, promising encrease of their store, and enlargement of their Possessions in theHoly-Land. And so great was the confluence of theJewsto this place, that theTurksthoughtit 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 ofSabatai, unless for money, setting the price, sometimes at five, sometimes at tenDollers, or more or less, according as they guessed at their abilities, or zeal of the person, by which gain and advantage to theTurksno complaints or advices were carried toAdrianople, either of the concourse of people, or arguments amongst theJewsin 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 theirMessiah.
During this time of confinement,Sabataihad leisure to compose and institute a new method of Worship for theJews, and principally the manner of the celebration of the day of hisNativity, which he prescribed in this manner.
Brethren, and my People, men ofReligioninhabiting theCityofSmyrnathe renowned, where live men, and women, and families; Peace be unto you from the Lord of Peace, and from me his beloved son, KingSalomon. I command you that the ninth day of the Moneth ofAb(which according to our account answered that year to the Moneth ofJune) 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 ofSabatai 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 withChristianson 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 beforeall 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 theMessiah, Sabatai Sevithy servant, and first-born son in love, through whom we commemorate our coming out ofEgypt. And then you shall read for your Lesson the 1, 2, and 3 Chapters ofDeut.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 theSynagogueeverySabbath: you shall read the 31 Chapt. ofJeremiah. To your Prayer calledMussaf(used in theSynagogueeverySabbathand solemn Festival) youshall adjoyn that of the present Festival; In stead of the sacrifice of Addition, of the returning of theBibleto its place, you shall read with an Audible Voice, Clear Sound, thePsalm95. And at the first Praises in the Morning, after you have SangPsalm91, and just before you SingPsalm98, you shall repeatePsalm132 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 readupon the most High: after which shall follow the 126Psalm, 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 MessiahSabatai Sevithy 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 81Psalm, as also the 132 and 126Psalmes, which are appointedfor 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 ofIsrael.
Brethren, and my People, men ofReligioninhabiting theCityofSmyrnathe renowned, where live men, and women, and families; Peace be unto you from the Lord of Peace, and from me his beloved son, KingSalomon. I command you that the ninth day of the Moneth ofAb(which according to our account answered that year to the Moneth ofJune) 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 ofSabatai 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 withChristianson 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 beforeall 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 theMessiah, Sabatai Sevithy servant, and first-born son in love, through whom we commemorate our coming out ofEgypt. And then you shall read for your Lesson the 1, 2, and 3 Chapters ofDeut.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 theSynagogueeverySabbath: you shall read the 31 Chapt. ofJeremiah. To your Prayer calledMussaf(used in theSynagogueeverySabbathand solemn Festival) youshall adjoyn that of the present Festival; In stead of the sacrifice of Addition, of the returning of theBibleto its place, you shall read with an Audible Voice, Clear Sound, thePsalm95. And at the first Praises in the Morning, after you have SangPsalm91, and just before you SingPsalm98, you shall repeatePsalm132 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 readupon the most High: after which shall follow the 126Psalm, 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 MessiahSabatai Sevithy 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 81Psalm, as also the 132 and 126Psalmes, which are appointedfor 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 ofIsrael.
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 atJerusalem.
The Devotion of theJewestoward this pretendedMessiahincreased 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 theirSynagoguewithS. S.in Letters of Gold, making for him on the Wall a Crown, in the Circle of which was wrote the 91Psalmat length, in faire and legible Characters; attributing thesame titles toSabatai, and Expounding theScripturesin the same manner in favour of his Appearance, as we do of ourSaviour. However some of theJewesremain'd in their Wits all this time, amongst which was a certainChochamatSmyrna, 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 theJeweswas transported, with the groundless beliefe of aMessiah, leaving not onely their Trade, and course of living, but publishing Prophesies of a speedy Kingdome, of rescue from the Tyranny of theTurk, and leading the GrandSigniorhimself 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 theJewes, on whom theTurkeswould gladly take occasion to dispoile them of their Estates, and condemn the whole Nation to perpetualslavery. And indeed it would have been a greater wonder then everSabataishewed, that theTurkestook no advantage from all these extravagances, to dreine theJewesof a considerable Sum of Money, and set their whole Race inTurkyat a Ransome, had not these Passages yielded them matter of Pastime, and been the Subject of theTurkesLaughter and Scorne; supposing it a Disparagement to the greatness of theOttomanEmpire, to be concerned for the Rumors and Combustions of this Dispersed People. With these considerations thisChocham, that he might clear himself of the blood and guilt of his Countrey-men, and concern'd in the common destruction, goes before theCadi, and there protests against the present Doctrine; Declaring, that he had no hand in setting up ofSabatai, but was an Enemy both to him and to his whole Sect. This freedome of theChochamso enraged and scandalized theJewes, that they judged no Condemnation or Punishment too severe against such an Offender and Blasphemer of their Law, and Holiness of theMessiah; and therefore with Moneyand Presents to theCadi, 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 theGallies. There wanted nothing now to the appearance of theMessiah, and the solemnity of his coming, but the presence ofElias, whom theJewesbegan to expect hourely, and with that attention and earnestness, that every Dreame, or Phantasme to a weak head was judged to beElias; 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 theMessiah; for this superstition is so far fixed amongst them, that generally in their Families they spread a Table forEliasthe Prophet, to which they make an Invitation of Poor people, leaving the chief place for the LordElias, 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 theJewescommanded his Wife after a supper of this kind, to leave the Cup filled with Wine,and the Meat standing all night, forEliasto Feast, and Rejoyce alone; And in the morning arising early, affirmed, thatEliastook 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 theJeweson the Evening of theSabbath, to repeate certain Praises of God (calledHavdila) 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,Eliasthe Prophet,Eliasthe Prophet,Eliasthe Prophet, come quickly to us with theMessiah, theSonofGod, andDavid; and this they affirme to be so acceptable toElias, that he never failes to preserve that family, so devoted to him, and augment it with the blessings of Increase. Many other things theJewesavouch ofElias, 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 setforElias: AndSabatai Sevibeing once Invited atSmyrnato the Circumcision of the First-borne Son of oneAbraham Gutiere, a Kinsman ofSabatai, and all things ready for the Ceremony,Sabatai Seviexhorted the Parents of the Child to expect a while until his farther Order: After a good halfe hour,Sabataiorder'd them to proceed and cut thePrepuceof 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, ThatEliashad not as yet taken his Seat, whom, as soon as he saw placed, he ordered them to proceed; and that now shortlyEliaswould discover himself openly, and proclaime the newes of the general Redemption.
This being the common Opinion amongst theJewes, and thatSabatai Seviwas theMessiah, being become an Article of Faith, it was not hard to perswade them, thatEliaswas 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 inEnglandbelieve ofHobgoblins, andFairies. For so it was, whenSolomon Cremona, an Inhabitant ofSmyrna, making a great Feast, to which the PrincipalJewesof theCitywere Invited, after they had eaten and drank freely, one starts from his Seat, and avouches, that he sawEliasupon 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, directedOrations,Encomiums, and acts of Thankfulness toElias, courting and complementing him, as distracted Lovers doe the supposed presence of their Mistresses. AnotherJewatConstantinoplereported, that he metEliasin the Streets, habited like aTurke, with whom he had a long Communication;and that he enjoyn'd the Observation of many neglected Ceremonies, and particularly theZezit,Numb.15.v.38.Speak unto the children ofIsrael,and bid them that they makeFringesin the Borders of their Garments, throughout their Generations, and that they put upon the Fringe of the Border aRibbonof blue. Also thePeos, Levit. 19. v. 27.Ye shall not round the corners of your Head, nor marr the corners of your Beard: This Apparition ofEliasbeing 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 theTurkishand 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 theBelieversandKophrims, a name of dishonour, signifying as much asUnbelievers; orHereticks, given to those whoconfessed notSabataito be theMessiah; which particulars, if not observed, it was declared, as a Menace ofElias, that the People of theJewes, who come from the RiverSabationas is specifyed in the secondEsdras, Chap. 13. shall take vengeance of those who are guilty of these Omissions.
But to return again toSabatai Sevihimself, we find him still remaining a Prisoner in theCastleofAbydosupon theHellespont, 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 theMessiahhad arriv'd; amongst which one fromPoland, namedNehemiah Cohen, was of special note, and renown, learned in theHebrew,Syriack, andChaldee, and versed in the Doctrine andKabalaof theRabines, as well asSabataihimself, one (of whom it was said) had not thisSevianticipated the Design, esteemed himself as able a Fellow to Act the Part of aMessiahas the other: Howsoever, it being now too late to publish any such Pretence,Sabataihaving now eleven Points of the Law by Possession of the Office, and with thatthe Hearts and Belief of theJewes:Nehemiahwas contented with some small appendage, or Relation to aMessiah; and therefore to lay his Design the better, desired a Private Conference withSabatai: These two great Rabbines being together, a hot Dispute arose between them; ForCohenalleadged that according to Scripture, and Exposition of the Learned thereupon, there were to be twoMessiahs, one calledBen Ephraim, and the otherBen David: the first was to be a Preacher of theLaw, poor, and despised, and a Servant of the Second, and his Fore-runner; the other was to be great and rich, to restore theJewestoJerusalem, to sit upon the Throne ofDavid, and to performe and act all those Triumphs and Conquests which were expected fromSabatai.Nehemiahwas contented to beBen Ephraim, the afflicted and poorMessiah; AndSabatai(for any thing I hear) was well enough contented he should be so: but thatNehemiahaccused him for being too forward in publishing himself the latterMessiah, beforeBen Ephraimhad first been known unto the World.Sabataitook this reprehensionso ill, either out of pride, and thoughts of his own infallibility, or that he suspectedNehemiah, being once admitted forBen Ephraim, would quickly (being a subtile and learned person) perswade the World that he wasBen David, would by no means understand, or admit of this Doctrine, or ofBen Ephraimfor a necessary Officer: And thereupon the Dispute grew so hot, and the Controversie so irreconcileable, as was taken notice of by theJewes, and controverted amongst them, as every one fancy'd: ButSabataibeing of greater Authority, his Sentence prevail'd, andNehemiahwas rejected, asSchismatical, and an Enemy to theMessiah, which afterward proved the ruine and downfal of thisImpostor.
ForNehemiahbeing 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 toAdrianople, and there informes the Chief Ministers of State, and Officers of the Court, who (by reason of the gain theTurksmade of their Prisoner at theCastleon theHellespont) heard nothingof all this Concourse of People, and Prophesies of the Revolt of theJewsfrom their Obedience to theGrand Signior; and taking likewise to hisCounselsome certain discontented and unbelievingChochams, who being zealous for their Nation, and jealous of the ill-consequences of this long-continued, and increasing Madness, took liberty to informe theChimacham(who was Deputy of the GreatVizierthen atCandia) that theJew, Prisoner at theCastle, calledSabatai Sevi, was a Lewd Person, and one who indeavoured to debauch the mindes of theJewes, and divert them from their honest course of livelihood, and Obedience to theGrand Signior; and that therefore it was necessary to clear the World of so Factious and dangerous a Spirit: TheChimachambeing thus informed, could do no less then acquaint theGrand Signiorwith all the particulars of this Mans Condition, Course of Life, and Doctrine; which were no sooner understood, but aChiaux, orMessenger, was immediately dispatched, to bring upSabatai SevitoAdrianople. TheChiauxexecuted his Commission aftertheTurkishfashion in hast, and broughtSabataiin a few days toAdrianople, 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.
TheGrand Signiorhaving by this time received divers informations of the madness of theJews, and the pretences ofSabatai; grew big with desire and expectation to see him: so that he no sooner arrived atAdrianople, but the same hour he was brought before theGrand Signior:Sabataiappeared much dejected, and failing of that courage which he shewed in theSynagogue; and being demanded several Questions inTurkishby theGrand Signior, he would not trust so farr to the vertue of hisMessiahship, as to deliver himself in theTurkish Language; but desired aDoctorofPhysick, (who had from aJewturnedTurk,) to be his interpreter, which was granted to him; but not without reflection of the standers by; that had he been theMessiah, andSon of God, as he formerly pretended,his tongue would have flown with varietie, as well as with the perfection of Languages. But theGrand Signiorwould not be put off without aMiracle, and it must be one of his own choice: which was, thatSabataishould 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 theMessiah, and the person whom God had design'd to those Dominions, and Greatnesses, he pretended. But nowSabatainot having faith enough to stand to so sharp a trial, renounced all his title to Kingdoms and Governments, alledging that he was an ordinaryChocham, and a poorJew, as others were, and had nothing of Priviledge, or Vertue above the rest. TheGrand Signiornotwithstanding, not wholly satisfied with this plain confession, declared, that having given publique scandal to the Professors of theMahometanreligion, and done dishonour to his Soveraign authoritie, by pretending to draw such a considerable portion from him, as the Land ofPalestine; his treason andcrime was not to be expiated by any other means then by a conversion to theMahometanfaith, which if he refus'd to do, the stake was ready at the gate of theSeraglioto empale him.Sabataibeing 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 turnTurk, 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 theGrand Signior. And here was thenon plus ultraof all the bluster and noise of this vain Impostor. And now theReadermay be pleased to pause a while and contemplate the strange point of consternation, shame, and silence, to which theJewswere 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, theirPageantry, and Offices of Devotion,were past like a tale, or a midnights dream: And as this was concluded, and theJewssunk on a sudden, and fallen flat in their hopes, without so much as a line of comfort, or excuse fromSabatai; 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 thatSabataiwas turnedTurk, and theMessiahto aMahumetan, quickly filled all parts ofTurky. TheJewswere 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 atSmyrna(Ponftai) which every one seeing aJew, 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 yetmost of them affirm thatSabataiis not turnedTurk, but his shadow onely remains on earth, and walks with a white head, and in the habit of aMahumetan: 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 theirMahumetan Messiah: Insomuch that theChochamsofConstantinople, fearing the danger of this error might creep up, and equal the former, condemned the belief ofSabataibeingMessiah, as damnable, and enjoyned them to return to the antient Method and Service of God upon pain ofExcommunication. 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 ofSmyrna,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 publiqueSynagogueseverySabbath day:TheJewsscruple to say, theheadofIsrael.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; thefootofIsraelhad 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 useof your forefathers, and the law, and from thence do not move; We command you that with your authoritie, under pain ofExcommunication, 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 everySabbath, as hath been accustomary, as alsoCollectsfor Kings, Potentates, and anointed, &c. And bless the King,Sultan Mahomet, for in hisdays hath great Salvation been wrought forIsrael, 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. Theseare the words of those who seek your Peace and Good, having inConstantinople, onSundaythe fifth of the MonethSevat, underwrot their names.Joam Tobson ofChananiah Ben-Jacar.Isaac Alnacagna.Eliezer Castie.Joseph Kazabi.Eliezer Gherson.Manasseh Barndo.Joseph Accohen.Kalibson ofSamuel.Eliezer Aluff.
To you who have the power of Priesthood, and are the knowing, learned, and magnanimous Governours and Princes, residing in the Citie ofSmyrna,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 publiqueSynagogueseverySabbath day:
TheJewsscruple to say, theheadofIsrael.
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; thefootofIsraelhad 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 useof your forefathers, and the law, and from thence do not move; We command you that with your authoritie, under pain ofExcommunication, 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 everySabbath, as hath been accustomary, as alsoCollectsfor Kings, Potentates, and anointed, &c. And bless the King,Sultan Mahomet, for in hisdays hath great Salvation been wrought forIsrael, 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. Theseare the words of those who seek your Peace and Good, having inConstantinople, onSundaythe fifth of the MonethSevat, underwrot their names.
Joam Tobson ofChananiah Ben-Jacar.
Isaac Alnacagna.Eliezer Castie.Joseph Kazabi.Eliezer Gherson.Manasseh Barndo.Joseph Accohen.Kalibson ofSamuel.Eliezer Aluff.
During the time of all these transactions and passages atConstantinople,Smyrna,Abydos, upon theHelespont,andAdrianople, theJewsleaving their Merchantile course, and advices, what prizes commodities bear and matters of Traffique, stuffed their Letters forItalyand other parts, with nothing but wonders and miracles wrought by their falseMessiah. As then when theGrand Signiorsent to take him, he caused all the Messengers immediately to die, upon which otherJanizariesbeing 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 trueTurks, 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 thatSabataiwas 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 Miraclesalso were reported ofNathan, 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 intoItalyand all parts, theJewsofCasel di Monferratoresolved to send three persons in behalf of their society, in the nature of extraordinaryLegates, toSmyrna, to make inquiry after the truth of all these rumors, who accordingly arriving inSmyrna, full of expectation and hopes, intending to present themselves with great Humility and Submission before theirMessiahand his ProphetNathan, were entertain'd with the sad news, thatSabataiwas turnedTurk, by which information the Character of theirEmbassyin 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 thecertain particulars of the Success of the affairs, they made a visit to the brother ofSabatai; who still continued to perswade them, thatSabataiwas notwithstanding the trueMessiah, that it was not he who had taken on him the habit and form of aTurk, but hisAngelorSpirit, 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 prophetNathan, certified, now every day expected, who having wroughtMiraclesin 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 ofNathan, theseLegateswere 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 thesethings were reveal'd unto him, which he had committed to Paper, and dispersed to all parts of the World. At lengthNathanarrives nearSmyrna, on Friday the third ofMarch, towards the Evening, and onSundaytheseLegatesmade their visit to him: ButNathan, upon news of the success of his belovedMessiah, began to grow sullen and reserved; So that theLegatescould 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 ofItaly, and commission to conferr with him concerning the foundation and authority he had for his prophesies; butNathanrefused to take the Letter, orderingKain AbolafioaChochamof the City ofSmyrnato receive it; so that theLegatesreturned ill contented, but yet with hopes atNathan's arrival atSmyrnato receive better satisfaction.
But whilstNathanintended to enter intoSmyrna, theChochamsofConstantinople, being before advisedof his resolution to take a Journey into their parts, not knowing by which way he might come, sent their Letters and Orders toSmyrna,Prussia, and every way round, to hinder his passage, and interrupt his journey; fearing that things beginning now to compose, theTurksappeas'd for the former disorders, and the minds of theJewsin some manner setled, might be moved, and combustions burst out afresh, by the appearance of this newImpostor; And therefore dispatched this Letter as followeth.