The History of Sabatai Sevi, the Suppos'd Messiah of the Jews — John Shaqi
The History of Sabatai Sevi, the Suppos'd Messiah of the JewsEvelyn, John
History
The History of Sabatai Sevi, the Suppos'd Messiah of the Jews
Evelyn, John
Impostors and imposture -- Early works to 1800; Shabbethai Tzevi, 1626-1676
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
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account