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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The author says that the first step on the ladder is similar to the way a person acts when they are in the early stage of what?
(a) Heartbreak.
(b) Education.
(c) Romantic love.
(d) Childhood.

2. According to Book II, Chapter XIV, why does the soul speak these lines: "I went forth without being observed / My house being now at rest"?
(a) Out of remorse.
(b) Out of guilt.
(c) Out of sadness.
(d) Out of happiness.

3. What is the term given to a spiritual experience beyond words?
(a) Ineffable.
(b) Ecstasy.
(c) Futile.
(d) Unimaginable.

4. St. John writes that souls on earth are purged with the fire of what?
(a) Sin.
(b) Guilt.
(c) Evil.
(d) Love.

5. In Book II, Chapter XVIII, what does the secret ladder assist humans in reaching?
(a) God's dwelling place.
(b) Heaven.
(c) Forgiveness for the soul.
(d) Spiritual understanding.

6. Once a soul has received the love from God after the dark night, it will only want to do what, as described by St. John?
(a) Commit sins.
(b) Pray for other's forgiveness.
(c) Pray for forgiveness.
(d) Work for and love God.

7. To what is the secret ladder a reference, as mentioned in Book II, Chapter XV?
(a) The stairs to heaven.
(b) The ladder of sin.
(c) The path to becoming like God.
(d) The ladder of living faith.

8. In Book II, Chapter XI, the soul would miss the spiritual love and affection of what if it was to go away?
(a) The fire of the Spirit.
(b) The guild of sin.
(c) The threat of evil.
(d) The demands of the earthly world.

9. What happens to human senses, according to the author, when a human is in the darkness?
(a) They are mixed up.
(b) They are useless.
(c) They are necessary.
(d) They become strengthened.

10. In Book II, Chapter XIII, the author states that love is felt by what?
(a) The human mind.
(b) Emotions.
(c) Guilt.
(d) Sin.

11. Who else can descend and ascend upon the spiritual ladder besides men, according to Book II, Chapter XIII?
(a) Angels.
(b) Children.
(c) Animals.
(d) Devils.

12. What are souls on the sixth step granted, according to St. John?
(a) Things which they ask for.
(b) Eternal life.
(c) Immense wealth.
(d) Magical powers.

13. What object represents the passions of the natural man, according to Book II, Chapter XIV?
(a) A tree.
(b) A feather.
(c) A house.
(d) A church.

14. What is the third property gained by the soul after passing through the dark night that leads the soul down the road of life?
(a) The desires of the human heart.
(b) The avoidance of sin.
(c) Only the longing for God.
(d) The path of honor and glory.

15. What happens when the soul has a more complete purging, according to the author?
(a) The better of a chance to backslide.
(b) The more likely to sin.
(c) The better of a chance to enter heaven.
(d) The closer to God a being will become.

Short Answer Questions

1. For whom is the ninth step on the ladder reserved, according to Book II, Chapter XX?

2. What step of the ladder feels like heaven on earth?

3. What does the second property of passing through the dark night allow the soul to see in the darkness, according to Book II, Chapter XXV?

4. What is the purpose of the disguise worn on the ladder, as described by the author?

5. Who does the author cite as someone who has seen the spiritual ladder?

(see the answer keys)

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