Chapter 16 Summary and Analysis

The fourth chapter dealing with the Sixth Dwelling is where Teresa describes what she believes God does to consummate His engagement to His betrothed soul. A good deal of courage is required from a soul preparing to wed the King of Creation, she explains, and she would never have the courage to approach such an endeavor if the King did not give prepare her first. She describes what she calls moments of spiritual rapture in which God ignites an ember in the soul—some thought that spreads its flame through the entire soul—until it is consumed and then reborn like a phoenix. In the moment of its being ignited, the soul is granted clearer and more complete understanding of God than she has ever experienced before. She is allowed to observe the final and most intimate dwelling for...