A third affirmeth that they were properly Locusts: that is, a sheath-winged and six-footed insect, such as is our Grashopper. And this opinion seems more probable than the other. For beside the authority of _Origen_, _Jerom_, _Chrysostom_, _Hillary_ and _Ambrose_ to confirm it: this is the proper signification of the word, thus used in Scripture by the Septuagint, Greek vocabularies thus expound it. _Suidas_ on the word Ακρὶς observes it to be that animal whereon the Baptist fed in the desert; in this sense the word is used by _Aristotle_, _Dioscorides_, _Galen_, and several humane Authors. And lastly, there is no absurdity in this interpretation, or any solid reason why we should decline it, it being a food permitted unto the _Jews_, whereof four kinds are reckoned up among clean meats. Beside, not only the _Jews_, but many other Nations long before and since, have made an usual food thereof. That the _Æthiopians_, _Mauritanians_ and _Arabians_ did commonly eat them, is testified by _Diodorus_, _Strabo_, _Solinus_, _Ælian_ and _Pliny_: that they still feed on them is confirmed by _Leo_, _Cadamustus_ and others. _John_ therefore as our Saviour saith, came neither eating nor drinking: that is, far from the diet of _Jerusalem_ and other Riotous places: but fared coursly and poorly according unto the apparel he wore, that is of Camels hair: the place of his abode, the wilderness; and the doctrin he preached, humiliation and repentance. CHAPTER X That _John_ the Evangelist should not die. The conceit of the long-living, or rather not dying of _John_ the Evangelist, although it seem inconsiderable, and not much weightier than that of _Joseph_ the wandring _Jew_: yet being deduced from Scripture, and abetted by Authors of all times, it shall not escape our enquiry. It is drawn from the speech of our Saviour unto _Peter_ after the prediction of his Martyrdom; _Peter_ saith unto Jesus [SN: _John_ 21.]. Lord what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry until I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me; then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that this disciple should not die.