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_.]