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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. To what can the fifth step of the ladder of love be compared?
(a) Children and parents.
(b) A husband and wife.
(c) A starving person and food.
(d) A priest and God.

2. What does the soul do on the sixth step of the ladder of love, according to Book II, Chapter XX?
(a) Take a vow of silence.
(b) Separate from human contact.
(c) Have ceaseless contact with God.
(d) Draw back from God's love.

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

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

5. What does the soul do on the second step of the ladder of love, according to Book II, Chapter XIX?
(a) Abandon hope.
(b) Ascend to heaven.
(c) Battle sin.
(d) Search for God.

6. The author states that people can only move on the ladder when they have a feeling of what for themselves?
(a) Forgiveness.
(b) Contempt.
(c) Pride.
(d) Strength.

7. According to St. John, what two states does a person have to pass through to realize a state of perfection with God?
(a) Infant and newborn.
(b) Beginner and proficient.
(c) Immortal and divine.
(d) Believer and sinner.

8. What is another reason the author gives for the soul traveling through the dark night in concealment?
(a) To discover a secret power.
(b) To hide from the sensual nature of man.
(c) To hide from the spiritual nature of man.
(d) To protect against the anger of family.

9. What does the author call things that stop the human soul from seeking God?
(a) Sinful devils.
(b) Enemies of man.
(c) Opportunities.
(d) Friends of humans.

10. In Book II, Chapter XX, what does the soul learn on the tenth step?
(a) Immortality.
(b) All that God knows.
(c) Perfection.
(d) Magical powers.

11. What step of the ladder feels like heaven on earth?
(a) Eighth.
(b) Ninth.
(c) First.
(d) Fourth.

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

13. What is the main topic of Book II, Chapter XVII?
(a) The temptation of sin.
(b) God's fury.
(c) The path to heaven.
(d) Secret knowledge.

14. In what form is the image of the spiritual ladder first found in the Bible?
(a) A lie.
(b) A joke.
(c) A dream.
(d) A nightmare.

15. What is the first property gained by the soul after passing through the dark night?
(a) Senses do not hinder the spirit.
(b) God begins to love the soul of the person.
(c) Sin starts to have no consequences.
(d) The soul no longer feels any need for God.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens when the soul has a more complete purging, according to the author?

2. What does the author explain about his work in Book II, Chapter XXII?

3. Without passing through the dark night, the author says that people are still what of their natural desires and wants?

4. What object represents the passions of the natural man, according to Book II, Chapter XIV?

5. Who does the author use as an example of the yearning for God that takes place in the second night of darkness?

(see the answer keys)

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