Mr. James J. Kane of the U.S. Navy

The “Daily Mail,” for October 1st, published a remarkable narrative of an experience of passing out of, and return to, the physical body. Mr. James J. Kane, for thirty years chaplain in the United States Navy, says that he had been eight times at the point of death, and on three occasions he was pronounced dead by physicians. Having been attacked by yellow fever in the Gulf of Mexico during the Civil War, he gradually grew worse, and began to welcome the approach of death. He says:—

“All this time I was perfectly conscious, and as the body grew weaker the mental power grew stronger. I recognised the peculiar distinction between the soul and the body, and made the startling discovery that I was possessed of wonderful faculties belonging to the soul, which were gradually developing as the separation from the body was taking place. I am unable to describe them. Their power was marvellous. [sp.]

“Weaker, and yet still weaker, I grew; my breathing became difficult; pulsation almost ceased. Without losing consciousness I at last passed through the final stage. In an instant the spirit was freed, and I stood beside my body, pronounced dead by the doctors and nurses. “All is over; he is gone,” said they, as they closed my eyes.

“I claim that the act of dying is one of the most delightful and exciting episodes in my life, filled with pleasurable emotions, not only at the thought of meeting long-parted friends, but the increase of knowledge and freedom from earthly elements. When I awoke, a coloured preacher, who was very much attached to me and who was weeping at my bedside, said: ‘Thank God, you are once more alive,’ and there was rejoicing at my restoration. My vision haunted me. I mourned over my return. I soon fell into a deep sleep, and the next morning felt increased vitalization.”

---

Light, (October 12, 1907), p. 485.