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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does the soul become secure after passing through the dark night, according to St. John?
(a) It has found itself.
(b) It has become strong in sin.
(c) It has forgiven God's mistakes.
(d) It has become like God.

2. According to St. John, on what step does the soul seek to do something worthy of God without any favor from God?
(a) Fourth.
(b) Tenth.
(c) First.
(d) Fifth.

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

4. What happened to Jeremias and Moses after being infused with the wisdom of God?
(a) They became wealthy.
(b) They were knocked unconscious.
(c) They spoke in another language.
(d) There were unable to speak.

5. Who does the author use as an example of the yearning for God that takes place in the second night of darkness?
(a) Rachel.
(b) Mary, mother of Jesus.
(c) Mary Magdalene.
(d) Ruth.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to St. John, what two states does a person have to pass through to realize a state of perfection with God?

2. What state does St. John say the soul is in when it has a chance to escape from bondage of the world?

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

4. What happens on the first step of the ladder, according to Book II, Chapter XIX?

5. In Book II, Chapter XXIV, in what state is the soul when the soul is united with divine wisdom after passing through the dark night?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the author say that people who have never passed through the dark night understand spiritual freedom?

2. How does St. John conclude his book in the final chapter?

3. How can a soul reach the final step on the secret ladder? What happens on this step?

4. In Book II, Chapter XXIII, what does the devil know about what is happening to a soul during the dark night and what does the devil do about it?

5. In Book II, Chapter XI, what does the author say the soul will want to do after it has received the love for God?

6. Why is the experience of the dark night and the spiritual ladder called "secret," as explained by the author?

7. What does St. John say happens on the fourth step of love of the secret ladder? Why does the soul not want favor from God?

8. What does St. John explain about his poem, "Stanza of the Soul," in Book II, Chapter XXII?

9. Why must the soul become numb to natural desires to receive God's strength and a union with God, according to Book II, Chapter XVI?

10. In Book II, Chapter XII, how does the desire of God influence understanding and love on a believer passing through the dark night?

(see the answer keys)

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