This is the first and principal benefit caused by this arid and dark night of contemplation: the knowledge of oneself and of one’s misery. - John of the Cross

If, then, on the common land I am no longer seen or found, You will say that I am lost; That, being enamoured, I lost myself; and yet was found. ~ 29

David did when he said, “For Thee my soul hath thirsted, for Thee my flesh, O how many ways”;11 that is, in desire. Another version reads, “My soul thirsteth after Thee, my soul is dying for Thee.” 7. This is the reason why

Therefore, at this time, all that the soul can do of itself ends, as I have said, in disturbing the peace and the work of God in the spirit amid the dryness of sense. This peace, being spiritual and delicate, effects a work that is quiet and delicate, unobtrusive and satisfactory,6 pacific and utterly alien from the former delights, which were most gross and sensual. This is that peace, according to the Psalmist, which God speaks in the soul to make it spiritual. “He will speak peace unto His people.”7 This brings us to the third test.