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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How many periods of trials must a soul pass through to finish going through the dark night, according to Book II, Chapter XXIV?
(a) Infinite.
(b) Two.
(c) None.
(d) Five.

2. What does the author explain about his work in Book II, Chapter XXII?
(a) His writing is for selfish reasons.
(b) His wife helped him in writing.
(c) His writing has a purpose.
(d) God is speaking through him.

3. How does the author conclude his work?
(a) Describing the author's own plans to achieve divinity.
(b) Describing ways to atone for sin.
(c) Describing the way the devil will try to seduce believers after reading the book.
(d) Describing the properties gained through passing through the dark night.

4. What can a soul not see beyond until it has been properly purged?
(a) The darkness.
(b) God's message.
(c) The eyes of a human.
(d) Sin and evil.

5. In Book II, Chapter XI, the author writes about the depth and power of what?
(a) God's vengeance.
(b) Sin.
(c) Earthly evil.
(d) The Spirit of God.

6. What is the main topic of discussion in Book II, Chapter XV?
(a) A chapter from the Bible.
(b) The second stanza of the poem.
(c) The author's beliefs on marriage.
(d) The first stanza of the poem.

7. What does that author say the soul finds after passing through the dark night?
(a) Honor and glory.
(b) Strength and divine powers.
(c) Joy and wealth.
(d) Peace and rest.

8. In what is the soul enveloped before passing through the dark night?
(a) A collection of angels.
(b) A pit of despair.
(c) Evil demons.
(d) A cloud of darkness.

9. 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) Education.
(b) Heartbreak.
(c) Romantic love.
(d) Childhood.

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

11. In what other way does the author describe the passions of man being at rest?
(a) Tortured.
(b) Aroused.
(c) Imprisoned.
(d) Asleep.

12. The author writes that the yearning for God will leave the soul in what state?
(a) Restless.
(b) Guilty.
(c) Innocent.
(d) Comfortable.

13. In Dark Night of the Soul, the soul praises the darkness from which it has escaped what?
(a) Mortal sin.
(b) The danger zone.
(c) Sensual affections.
(d) God's wrath.

14. What does the author say the soul experiences, even during the dark night?
(a) An ascent to heaven.
(b) Peaceful rest.
(c) The presence of God.
(d) Salvation from sin.

15. What is the purpose for writing Dark Night of the Soul that St. John describes?
(a) To help women.
(b) To teach others.
(c) To spread the word of God.
(d) To make money.

Short Answer Questions

1. What directions can men take upon the secret ladder, as described in Book II, Chapter XVIII?

2. St. John describes the soul feeling as if it is losing ground when in reality it is just doing what?

3. To what can the fifth step of the ladder of love be compared?

4. What is the main topic of Book II, Chapter XVII?

5. According to St. John, people who have never experienced a dark night do not understand what this feels like?

(see the answer keys)

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