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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What is the purpose of the disguise worn on the ladder, as described by the author?
(a) To hide oneself to achieve a goal.
(b) To hide oneself from God.
(c) To become a new person.
(d) To overcome the pain of the dark night.

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

4. What does St. John say is the purpose of the garment of faith?
(a) To cleanse oneself of sin.
(b) To protect oneself from the devil.
(c) To prove one's worth to God.
(d) To show the world one's faith.

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

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

7. 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.

8. In Book II, Chapter XXI, what color represents the garment of faith?
(a) White.
(b) Purple.
(c) Red.
(d) Green.

9. 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) Only the longing for God.
(b) The desires of the human heart.
(c) The path of honor and glory.
(d) The avoidance of sin.

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

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

12. 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) None.
(c) Five.
(d) Two.

13. What happens on the first step of the ladder, according to Book II, Chapter XIX?
(a) God punishes the soul.
(b) The spirit battles the soul.
(c) Sin takes over the soul.
(d) The soul swoons for God.

14. What does a believer wear to protect his thoughts from the desires of the world?
(a) A black cloak.
(b) The hat of salvation.
(c) A helmet.
(d) A scarf tied around the head.

15. St. John says that the knowledge of the divine come to the soul in what way?
(a) By rejecting sin.
(b) By the Holy Spirit.
(c) By battling evil.
(d) By the power of the human mind.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does the author conclude his work?

2. What is another reason the author gives for the soul traveling through the dark night in concealment?

3. What can a soul not see beyond until it has been properly purged?

4. According to St. John, how many believers will reach the union with God without going through trials?

5. St. John writes that souls on earth are purged with the fire of what?

(see the answer keys)

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