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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. The soul must endure periods of trial, testing, and what else to reach its final state of union with God as described by St. John?
(a) Fasting.
(b) Condemnation.
(c) Purification.
(d) Damnation.

2. 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.

3. What does the garment of charity provide for the wearer, as described by the author?
(a) Release from guilt.
(b) Obedience to God.
(c) Protection from sin.
(d) A pleasing soul for God.

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

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

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. In what form is the image of the spiritual ladder first found in the Bible?

3. What does that author say the soul finds after passing through the dark night?

4. What does the soul do on the sixth step of the ladder of love, according to Book II, Chapter XX?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What does St. John say happens to the soul after it has become enkindled and starts yearning for God? What would happen if the fire were to go away?

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

3. 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?

4. Why does a soul have to wear a disguise as it ascends the secret ladder?

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. In Book II, Chapter XIX, what happens on the first three steps of love on the secret ladder?

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

8. In Book II, Chapter XVIII, how does the soul move upon the spiritual ladder?

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

10. How does a purifying fire of love affect the souls of humans and angels in relation to a closeness with God as described by the author?

(see the answer keys)

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