Part 3

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.