Book II, Chapter XXIII Summary and Analysis

Here St. John explains that the soul travels through the dark night of the soul in concealment, as well as darkness. The soul is concealed from not only the evil influences of the world, but also the devil. In addition, the soul is concealed from the sensual nature of the human, which would draw the soul away from the things of God. Although the devil has no knowledge of the spiritual wisdom passed between the spirit and God while in this concealment, he can sense when these contemplations are taking place. It is at this point the devil tries to stir up the sensual part of man, in an attempt to draw the spiritual part of him away from God. The devil can also use the senses to terrify the spirit when there is little...