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.