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Jewish prophet Sabbatai... Death count from the Great Plague...
Jewish prophet Sabbatai... Death count from the Great Plague...
Item # 705072
July 26, 1666
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, July 26, 1666 Of great significance is the front page Judaica item reading: "The Hebrews of this city of Smyrna have lately received a letter from Sabadai their Prophet, from his prison in the castle of the Dardanelli, encouraging them to stand fast and not to waiver in their opinions, for he had yet eight months left to work their restoration to Jerusalem, which he promises not of himself, the Prophesy proceeding from a great Seer at Gaza, who likewise foretells that their long expected Messia must be a man of suffering, before he can arrive at his Triumphal Throne; this has extreamly raised the people and possest several of the wiser sort, who will hardly be reduced to their senses till the expiration of the eight months."
Sabbatai Zevi was an Ottoman Jewish mystic, and ordained rabbi from Smyrna (now Turkey). He was active throughout the Ottoman Empire, claiming to be the long-awaited Jewish Messiah.
There are two mentions of Virginia, one each on the front & back pages, including: "Yesterday arrived here the Philip and Samuel of this port from Virginia..." and: "Our Virginia and Barbadoes fleet are now safely arrived...". Keep in mind this is just 46 years after the Pilgrims landed in America.
Included at the bottom of the back page is a report on the death count from the Great Plague which afflicted much of Europe at this time: "The account of this weeks bill runs thus. The total 326. Of the Plague 48. Increased in all 32. Decreased of the Plague 3."
The issue is complete as a single sheet newspaper, 6 3/4 by 10 3/4 inches, some toning at the margins, nice condition.
Category: The 1600's and 1700's
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