A Just NARRATIVE, OR, ACCOUNT Of the Man whose Hands and Legs rotten off: In the Parish of KINGS-SWINFORD, IN STAFFORD-SHIRE, Where he died, June 21. 1677. Carefully Collected by JA. ILLINGWORTH, B. D. An Eye and Earwitness of most of the material Passages in it. LONDON: Printed by A. C. for Henry Brome, at the Gun at the West-end of St. Paul's, 1678. To the Reverend S. FORD. D. D. Rector of Old-Swinford in Worcestershire. SIR, BEing importuned by divers (Gentlemen, Ministers, and others of our Neighbourhood) to draw up a full Narrative and Account of that late sad Providence (which hath filled the hearts and mouths of the Country round about us, the fame whereof is also spread into remote parts) I was at last prevailed with to endeavour their satisfaction: And the rather because of a general rumour in the Country, that the man had declared several things to me of near concernment to himself, which he concealed from all other Visitants. That I might not therefore suffer such Reports to pass uncertain, nor be wanting in that which was by some urged as my duty; I did (by travelling, at several times, above sixty miles in the parts adjacent) inquire into divers particular circumstances, which I was not before fully clear in: and have now at last set all down in plain words (suitable to such an account) that the meanest concerned to know and make good use of the providence, might at first reading clearly understand it. Sir, That I address this to you, is, that I may take an opportunity to make my hearty acknowledgements for your learned and useful Discourses in the Pulpit upon this occasion, to the general satisfaction of your Hearers; and I must in my own name, and many of theirs, entreat, you would make the substance of them more public from the Press, that the Readers may learn not to be too censorious in things of this nature, nor yet to pass by so signal a Providence without that just Observation it deserves, and due reverence toward that God who is known by the Judgements which he executeth, as you have fully shown us. I hope, Sir, I invite you to nothing, but what your own Judgement accounts worthy your labour; and I am confident it will be no mean addition to your former elaborate services of God and his Church. In which that you may be long continued for his Glory, and the good of his People, shall be the hearty Prayer of (Reverend Sir) Your most affectionate (though unworthy Friend) to honour and serve you, J. ILLINGWORTH. A just Narrative or Account of the Man whose Hands and Legs Rotten off in the Parish of Kings-Swinford in Staffordshire, where he Died, June 21. 1677. RIchard Duncalf of Codsal Parish, not far from Wolverhampton, in the County of Stafford, dying many years since (and his Wife also) left behind them many Children, and but slender provision for them. One of their Sons, John Duncalf, bound himself an Apprentice to Thomas Gibbons of Kings-Swinford in the same County, Wheelwright. When he had served his Master two years and seven months (or thereabouts) he and his fellow Apprentice stealing from their Master a considerable quantity of Iron, delivered it to a third person, who promised to conceal it from their Master: but being all brought before the Right Honourable the Lord Ward of Dudley-Castle, upon examination severally, they accused each other, and confessed the whole: By which means there was found concealed (as Tho. Gibbons saith) 26 pound of old Iron, besides more that was wrought up, new Waggon-Nails, ends of Bars, etc. Upon their Confession the Lord Ward sent them to the House of Correction, about October 14. 1675. But the other Apprentice being dangerously sick there, and this John Duncalf pretending, at least, to be sick also, they two were set at liberty the week following. After which time this said John Duncalf refused to come again to his former service (saying he would never set his feet in Kings-Swinford whilst he lived) ☞ but offering and engaging to pay to his Master forty shillings, his Master and he gave Releases to each other: by which means this young man (who was then full twenty years of age, and at more liberty than formerly whilst an Apprentice) gave himself up to licentious courses, viz. (as he confessed to me, April 26. 1677) to Idleness, Stealing, Lying, Cursing, Swearing, Drunkenness, and Uncleanness with Women. Which last, he said, was not by committing actual Fornication or Adultery, but in the thoughts of his heart, and by lascivious words, and gestures, whereby he had endeavoured to tempt them to lewdness in divers places. I must therefore here clear myself and him from an unjust rumour and report common (as I am informed) in the Country hereabouts, which many people yet believe, viz. [That he confessed some things to me which he desired might be concealed whilst he lived, as, that he had committed a Rape upon a young person, and afterward murdered her: That he was guilty of Buggery, or lying with Beasts, etc.] I do therefore openly declare to all; that these were groundless rumours or reports, and I do assure them he never desired me to conceal any thing he said or confessed to me, nor did he ever speak to me of any such things as these which some have reported and others believed. But the faults seemed to lie as an heavy burden upon his Conscience, when he judged God's hand was severely chastizing him for them, and all his other impieties; among which his constant profaneness had not been the least, in that, although he could both read and write, yet he had (as he said to me) a long time neglected all manner of Service and Worship of God, as well on the Lord's day as other days, and that both in private and public. It is said, he stole many things to supply his growing necessities (which his idleness and intemperance brought upon him) chief Bibles; and the rather because they would soon be bought by others. About January the 6th. 1676/7 coming to the house of Humphrey Babb, living at the Grange-mill, about three miles from Wolverhampton, he begged of Margaret, the said Humphrey's Wife, Victuals and small drink. The Woman having formerly known him, and compassionating his present condition, gave him freely such as she had, but whilst she stooped to draw drink for him, he stole her Bible, (as he confessed to her afterwards.) This Bible he sold for three shillings to a Maid of John downing's, who lives near the Heath-Forge, not far from the place where he stole it. By which means, not long after, Humphrey Babb's Wife heard of her Bible, demanded it of the Maid that bought it, and making her some allowance toward what she paid for it, received it again long before either of them saw him, or heard what was become of him: But this being noised in the Country thereabouts, one Henry Evans told his Father Thomas Evans (commonly called Painter) who lives near Henly or Himley (they both knew him) what John Duncalf had done: at which the said John Duncalf, when he heard of it, was very angry, and gave out threatening words against the young man; but being charged with it by them, he did not only deny it with some fierceness, but execrated and cursed himself, wishing his hands might rot off, if that were true (as the said Thomas Evans testifies) and John Bennet his Keeper, saith, he often heard him say to Gentlemen that visited him in his sickness, that he did so curse himself upon that occasion to Thomas Evans. And this he acknowledged of his own accord, to me and many others, several times, when he seemed most serious and in earnest [That he so cursed himself, and that immediately upon the execration or cursing of himself, he had an inward horror or trembling upon him, a dread and fear of the Divine Majesty, and Justice of God, which fear and working of his Conscience continued more or less many days after.] When I asked him (upon this ingenious acknowledgement) why he did not confess his wickedness, and endeavour that the Bible might be restored to the owner? his answer was, [That the Devil and his own heart would not suffer him.] Yet this he acknowledged to me [That within a few days after that execration his flesh began to look black at the wrists of his hands, and so continued divers weeks before it did sensibly rot.] He went then and wrought with one Thomas Osborn a Joiner in Dudley, and (as Osborn saith) continued with him about a fortnight (Shrove-tuesday being the last day as he well remembers) and that it was the last work that ever he did; which I cannot wonder at, considering what this poor man said to me concerning himself in reference to that time, viz. [After I had cursed myself about the Bible, I wrought with a Joiner at Dudley; but at that time I had a fear and trembling upon me, which frequently troubled me, and made me have no great mind to work; and so feeling myself weak and faint, and fearing an Ague or Fever, I went towards my acquaintance, but in the way finding I was unable to go any further, I laid myself down in a Barn (at Parton-Hall as I remember) belonging to Sir Walter Wroteseley, and there continued two days and nights before I was found] (some say he said (at other times) from Tuesday night to Friday morning.) Being found, he was kept at the charge of the Parish of Tettenbal (in which Parton-Hall stands) until the next monthly meeting of the Justices of the Peace, who (March 27. 1677.) by examination finding Kings-Swinford to have been the last place of his settlement, made an order he should be carried thither, and maintained by that Parish. There he was received, March 28. and John Bennet appointed to take care of him: first in a Barn belonging to the three Crowns, (an Inn standing on the Road between Wolverhampton and Kidderminster) and after one fortnight removed by the Overseers for the Poor, to the dwelling house of the said John Bennet his Keeper in Wall-Heath-side. His flesh at first began to rise in great lumps or knots at the wrists of his hands, and at his knees (as his Keeper tells me) and after a little time to break and run, and shortly after to shrink from the bones at those places, at which time, white putrid matter came out and ran abundantly, causing exquisite pain and torment to this poor man: And so offensive was the smell for several weeks together, that those who came to visit him who were not only many hundreds, but, 'tis believed, thousands (his Keeper and Neighbours say many thousands) were not able to abide in the room with him, nor stand near without the door, except they had herbs or other things at their mouths and noses to smell to. The Visitants being so numerous at all times of the day, especially on the Lords-days, it seemed to give him great disturbance, and made him very unwilling to talk many times, or answer them any thing. They moved him once so far to impatience, when they crowded about him each with a question, having Herbs, and other things at their Noses, that his passion made him to forget his own condition, and wish their Noses might rot off (as divers there present assured me;) for which I gently, but seriously, reproved him at my next visit. He seemed to take the reproof well, acknowledging the fault of his passionate expressions towards them (provoked as he said, by their crowding, impertinent curiosity, and foolish questions; or to that effect:) But he had forgot, or would not confess, that he used those words,— about their Noses rotting off.] But his Keeper tells me, he would often be very impatient towards the multitude, and call to him, saying, John, why dost thou not dash out their teeth? dost thou not see how they grin at me? and the like. About the twentieth of April many little Worms came out of the rotten flesh, such as are usually seen in dead Corpses (as his Keeper told me) but after he was well washed and cleansed, those ceased, and the room and smell was nothing so offensive as formerly: yet all that while (though it was rumoured in the Country) he would never confess his execration, and wishes against himself, until his Keeper denied to ease him of the Vermin, Lice, etc. that filled his shirt and doublet, and continually tormented him. He than first promised, that if his Keeper would cut them off and cleanse him, (he had long before cut off all the hair of his head) he would acknowledge the whole truth, which he then did in manner as is before related. And now he began to beg instruction, and help to repent, and that some Ministers and others, who came to visit him, would pray for and with him, which many did, both public Preachers and others, at several times; and some who lived near him (as I did) often. Being asked by me what he desired might be begged of God for him, he returned answer to this purpose: That God would give him repentance, and pardon his sins , viz. Idleness, Stealing, Lying, Cursing, Swearing, Drunkenness, unclean Thoughts, and constant Profaneness, etc. that he would save him for Christ's sake, and give him patience in the mean time.] I did accordingly endeavour to represent his case before God, and with humble earnestness to pray for mercy for him; and he seemed at that time to be somewhat affected with the Prayer, etc. It was about this time, if I mistake not, that he sent for Humphrey Babb's Wife, from whom he stole the Bible, she came and brought the Maid he sold it to, along with her: to them he confessed the wrong he had done, and desired they would forgive him; which the Wife told me she did hearty, and prayed God to forgive him as she did. The Maid seemed to be of the same mind and Christian temper. Very many (as I hinted before) hearing of him, came from all parts adjacent, and some from places far distant, to see this sad spectacle of Divine Justice: and amongst the rest, some of the Romanists, one of which, he and his Keeper supposed to be a Priest of that profession, who was earnest with him to renounce his Religion, and become a Catholic (as he called it) and they would remove him, take care to heal his Sores, and (said the man, whom they supposed to be the Priest) I will pawn my soul for thine, that thou shalt be saved: ☜ which I am informed, is an ordinary form of speech amongst the Papists of this Country, when they would persuade men to their party. When I enquired of this poor man (to try him) why he did not accept of their offers? he answered to this purpose, [To what end? How can he pawn his soul for mine? none can save me but Christ.] Others who had occasion to travel this way from London, and other parts far off, West and North, visited him, we hope not to satisfy their curiosity so much, as to behold a monument of Divine severity, and that they might bear witness, that although sentence against an evil work is not always executed speedily, yet, God leaves not himself without witness, in this, as well as former ages, against Atheism and grand impiety. Upon the eighth of May following, both his legs were fallen off at the knees, which the poor man perceived not until his Keeper told him and shown them to him, holding them up in his hands, and his right hand, hanging only by some ligament, by a little touch of a knife, was taken off also: The other hand at the same time being black as a shoe, and not much unlike, in the fancy of some, for roughness and hardness, to the outside of a dried Neats-tongue. This hand hanged on a long time afterwards by some such thing as the former, and might ('tis possible) have continued in that manner until his death, if he had not desired his Keeper to take that away also as the former, because it was troublesome to him. Now although putrid matter frequently issued out at those places, yet he had not so much pain as he had formerly for a month or six weeks, as he freely confessed; and acknowledged that his stomach was good, and did digest such meats as he took, and that he had evacuations by siege and urine, as heretofore in his health. So that, continuing in this condition some weeks, many began to think the Issues might be stopped, and his life preserved many years, if regularly ordered. Some of the Parishioners were moved in it, that Physicians and Surgeons might be consulted, and good advice taken in the case; but I cannot learn that any thing was done about it, being judged, by some, incurable. It is said that he expressed himself to some that visited him in this manner. [That now the curse wherewith he had cursed himself being fully come to pass (in that his hands were rotten off) he was persuaded it would go no further.] But he forgot that God punished him, not for that sin only, but, for all his great transgressions (though for that chief) as he formerly confessed to me, he believed. At last his flesh began to waste, and his spirits to fail; so that visiting him again, and observing some change in his flesh and countenance more than formerly, I laboured to convince him more fully of his condition, and to persuade him to look up to the great Physician, in whose hands are the issues of life and death, etc. He seemed to give diligent attention, and earnestly desired me to pray with him; after prayers, when I was about to leave him for that time, he desired I would not forget him in my prayers; making it also his earnest request, that I would come again when ever he should send for me, which I promised I would at any hour day or night. This was June 16. and on the 19 (as his Keeper acknowledgeth) he was in great anguish and trouble of mind, crying out [What shall I do to save my poor soul?] with many other expressions to the same purpose; being very sick, and fearing his approaching death. But upon what account his Keeper would not send for me (in whose hearing he so earnestly desired me to come to him) he knows best, and must answer it, if it was his fault for private respects, as is conjectured. On June 21. in the morning, I went again to visit him, unsent for, but found him unsensible, and past any further advice. I stayed by him until almost noon. He lay still, with his eyes fixed, as a dying man, moved not at any thing we said to him, but upon pouring into him a little drink with a spoon at several times, he coughed a little, and groaned, and then lay as before. When I saw there was no probability he would understand any thing I said, I left him (after prayer made for him with the company there present, in the house) and had notice brought me, that he died about two hours after my departure from him. Before I sum up the whole of this Narrative, and account of his condition, I judge it may be acceptable to the Reader to insert some short Observations, communicated to me by an ingenious Gentleman, our Neighbour, who several times visited him in his affliction. Take them therefore in his own words. When I first saw this young man (which was quickly after he was brought into Kings-Swinford) he appeared to me to be of a vigorous state of body, and of an healthy constitution, saving the strange defect under which he laboured, his hands and legs being then deprived of sense and motion. I observed them, and handled him: They were from both wrists and knees blackish and dying; and I took notice, that about each wrist and knee there was as it were a Circle at the joint that divided the sound from the dying parts, and seemed like a ligature, prohibiting any nourishment to pass those bounds; so that the blood and spirits being wonderfully stopped in their circulation, it must necessarily follow, that the parts thus deprived of their wont supply, must whither and die as a leaf in Autumn: which sad progress they made till both hands and legs from the wrists and knees became dead and dried, black and hard, like Mummy, before they fell off at the joints, which they afterward did. I also observed, that at the first, above each of the forementioned circles, there broke out a sore, at which the nourishing juice (designed by nature to have fed those parts) emptied itself (now in those sores corrupted) in a quitture or sanies, so horribly stinking, that few of his Visitants could well endure the room without some strong smelling defensative. But visiting him after those dead limbs were fallen from the body (all but one hand which was almost severed) I saw the joints with the flesh look well and healthy. They seemed to me free and untouched by the former mortification, being quick and sensible, that now the fellow complained upon the least touch thereof, yet seeming to promise an easy cure, for that ichorous stinking humour was gone; the flesh was raw, but sweet, and here and there besmeared with a thick corrupt pus, an encouraging sign (say Artists) that sores incline to healing: But this poor creature wanting all help from Art or Medicine, save what the application of the leaves of Mullein afforded, which by his Keeper were used to defend the raw parts; in some weeks there issued the like thin and stinking humour as before, which soon put a period to his life. So far my Friend. As to the young man himself, he was (as he told me a few days before he died) about twenty two years of age. It was easy to observe, he had been a strong young man, naturally of a stubborn temper, much hardened by evil courses; yet he seemed sometimes to be affected with his condition, the discourses made to him, and prayers with him; and I wish I might have had from him as clear an evidence of a comfortable change wrought in him, as I would gladly have told the world. I must in charity leave his final condition to God, who thus afflicted and chastised him for the space of near about four months, that he might be a signal spectacle to thousands, of God's displeasure against impiety. The sum of all is this, That a strong, lusty, young man, as most in the County where he was born, being unfaithful to God and his Master, and giving himself to licentiousness and wickedness, was brought to a morsel of bread; and by doing evil and denying it with execrations, had a sting and secret remorse in his conscience, by which, and want (the fruit of his idleness and intemperance) he grew faint and weak, and his hands waxed feeble: not being able to work, designed to betake himself to his Friends, but was stopped by the way, forced to lie down under the hand of God, that the Curse wherewith he had cursed himself might come upon him; and so by the stupendious providence of God he was made a spectacle to the world of Divine severity many weeks, that others might see, and hear, and fear, and do no more wickedly. And I wish, God may have no reason to say to any, (as by the Apostle in another case, * Acts 13.41. )— Behold ye despisers, and wonder and perish: for I work a work in your days, which you shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you. FINIS. SIR, Being requested by Mr. Illingworth to give you an account of what I am able to say concerning John Duncalf, I apprehend the best way is by a bare and brief Narrative of that discourse that passed between us whilst I was with him; if there is any thing worth your cognizance, you may make use of it as you please. Our Discourse was as followeth. May 1st 1677. Quest. SPeaking to him of the deplorableness of his Condition, and that sure there was a more than ordinary hand of God's Providence in it arising from some evil act or actions of his. Answ. Answered yes, 'twas for his sins. Quest. When I told him that sin was generally the procuring Cause of every man's sufferings; but under such remarkable and dreadful sufferings as these were, there is usually one or more special sins to be inquired after, as the nearest procuring Cause or Causes. Answ. He answered yes; so it was in his case. He stole a Bible from a Woman, and being charged with it, denied it with this fearful wish, [That his Hands might rot off if he stole it.] Quest. Then I asked him, whether his hands began to blacken, or change Colour, or tingle, etc. presently after the imprecation, or that fearful wish of his? Answ. Answered not; but his Conscience tingled sadly. Quest. John, how long was it your hands began to rot, or had any signs of putrefaction upon them after the Curse? Answ. About a fortnight. Quest. Have you made your peace with God for so great an offence? Answ. [Being a man not apt to speak, and ignorant withal] made little answer, only shaked his head. Quest. Have you asked the Woman forgiveness, and to your power endeavoured to make satisfaction; or if the Bible were in your hands, to make Restitution? Answ. Yes, he did send for her, and she came accordingly, and prayed God forgive him, for she did. Quest. John, canst pray? I have not found in thee any motions or inclinations thereunto since I came. Shakes his head again, and nothing he said. Quest. John, dost thou know how at so great a distance as sin hath made thee, to go to the Father? Answ. Yes, by Jesus Christ, whispering it softly, yet so as I might hear him. Quest. Then fearing he did not understand what Christ hath done for the World, I very briefly opened to him the Tenor and Conditions of the Covenant of Grace, and so how he must expect Mercy at the hands of God. Answ. Then (so far as I could guests) he began somewhat to relent, for the Tears trickled down his cheeks, and many Symptoms of conviction and sorrow seemed to be upon him; saying these words, or to this purpose: For God's sake, Sir, pray for me. Quest. John, I am glad to see some, though the least tokens of penitence in thee— The Lord enlarge thine heart, and make thy Conscience tender— I am willing, John, to pray for thee, and so I perceive is this whole company: But it would be great satisfaction to us, if you would acquaint us, what we should more particularly desire of God on your account. Answ. Good Sir, that my sins may be pardoned, as loss of Time, neglect of Duty, and the service of God. Quest. Is not Sabbath-breaking one? Answ. O yes, yes! Quest. Have you any thing else to say? Answ. No. Then let us pray.— Ending with the Lords Prayer, he repeated the Petitions after me, saying Amen, with somewhat an elevated voice; being observed to weep several times whilst we continued prayer. After which I parted with him, making me to promise him the continuation of my Prayers. About a fortnight after he sends a Messenger to me to tell me he desired my company again; at which time I made it my business not so much to ask him Questions, as to inform him of those Truths that as I thought had a necessary conducency to our eternal peace. [Spending some hours with him that day, as I could bear the noisome stench that then came from him.] Before I came away that time, which was the last time that I saw him; his Keeper told me, that a Popish Priest had been with him some few days before, earnestly endeavouring to proselyte him to their Religion; using this Argument: That if he would turn Roman Catholic, I will pawn my Soul to thy Soul thou shalt be saved. But all he could obtain of the poor man, was only this, that he would consider of it. Then ask John Duncalf, whether this was true? He answered, Yes. Praying with him, I took my final leave and farewell. This is all (worthy Sir) that I know concerning him. I can only add that I am Your most humble Servant, JONATH. NEWEY. Kinfare, Aug. 17. 1677. WE whose Names are hereunto subscribed, living in the Neighbourhood of Kings-Swinford, where John Duncalf the subject of the preceding Narrative, whilst God's hand was so severely upon him, for the most part resided; and having most of us visited him and discoursed him in that condition, and the rest of us received frequent Informations of the Passages herein mentioned from a multitude of credible Witnesses; do (in order to the rendering so useful a Relation more creditable so far as we are known) attest, that we judge it to be very exactly and impartially penned in all the particulars: and especially, in those Passages of it which contain the frequent serious acknowledgements of the mentioned John Duncalf, (That he did imprecate that Judgement upon himself which is here expressed, and upon the occasion here related) which he made not only in the hearing of the Author, but also of most of us: as also, in the substance of those that relate the rotting off of his Hands and Legs before his death, in the manner herein mentioned. And this attestation we make with no other design, but that God may have the glory, and the world the benefit of so Exemplary a Providence. For which end we as hearty accompany this Narrative with our prayers, as with our hands. Simon Ford, D. D. Tho. Wilsby. Amb. Sparry. John Raynolds. Samuel Mountfort. Edward Paget.