Book I, Chapter I Summary and Analysis

This first chapter contains a description of the flaws of beginners on the spiritual journey. These descriptions are not given to discourage the beginner but to make them aware of their spiritual imperfections. The new Christian is compared to a small baby who is cared for by its mother. Like the mother, God also cares for His children, who are still babies in their faith. He feeds them with spiritual milk; therefore, these beginners enjoy the things of God and religion such as prayers, fasts and penances. These beginners, however, do these things mostly because the rituals are enjoyable for them. These beginners, like children, are not perfect and are still unable to do the works of God in full strength. By going through the period of the dark night, these beginner Christians will increase...