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