Book II, Chapter VII Summary and Analysis

St. John writes of the afflictions this second night of darkness places on the will and soul. The soul remembers its evils and is uncertain of finding a way out. The soul will be reminded of past prosperity. Quotes from Job and Jeremias describe a state of extreme pain in which the soul can find no comfort, not even the blessings which will follow the night of darkness. There are periods of relief. In times of affliction the soul may feel the pain will never go away. Even the periods of communication with God do not hide there is something missing in the soul. It is during these times of rest that it is attacked again, harder and longer than before. Souls experiencing a dark night feel much the same as a soul in purgatory...