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

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

3. 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?
(a) Perfection.
(b) Purgatory.
(c) Atonement.
(d) Sinfulness.

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

5. In Book II, Chapter XII, what does the spirit of wisdom and love also affects?
(a) Animals.
(b) The earth.
(c) Angel's souls.
(d) The universe.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book II, Chapter XII, what--more than understanding--will be imparted to the soul because of the will of God?

2. The use of the term "dark night" throughout Dark Night of the Soul by St. John is an example of what?

3. How many periods of trials must a soul pass through to finish going through the dark night, according to Book II, Chapter XXIV?

4. The author writes that the yearning for God will leave the soul in what state?

5. What does the author call things that stop the human soul from seeking God?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book II, Chapter XV, why does the soul praise the darkness that causes so much pain?

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

3. 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?

4. How does St. John of the Cross use Mary Magdalene as an example of a soul passing through the second night of darkness?

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

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

7. How can a soul reach the sixth step on the secret ladder, as written in Book II, Chapter XX? What do men receive while on this step?

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

9. What is the author discussing in the second stanza of his poem from the prologue that is further explained in Book II, Chapter XV?

10. From where does St. John say the image of the spiritual ladder is derived?

(see the answer keys)

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