John will deviate from his original structural plan of citing each verse and commenting on it, this poem provides the backdrop for both The Ascent of Mount Carmel and, later, The Dark Night. John of the Cross, Ascent of Mount CarmelĪlthough St. There in a breeze from the fanning cedars.Īll things ceased I went out from myself, Yet I will quote each stanza again before its explanation and give the verses separately if the subject so requires.Ī song of the soul's happiness in having passed through the dark night of faith, in nakedness and purgation, to union with its Beloved. Since these stanzas will serve as a basis for all I shall say, I want to cite them here in full that the reader may see in them a summary of the doctrine to be expounded. They describe the way that leads to the summit of the mount – that high state of perfection we here call union of a soul with God. The following stanzas include all the doctrine I intend to discuss in this book, The Ascent of Mount Carmel. It was composed by Padre Fray John of the Cross, Discalced Carmelite. It presents instruction and doctrine valuable for beginners and proficients alike that they may learn to unburden themselves of all earthly things, avoid spiritual obstacles, and live in that complete nakedness and freedom of spirit necessary for divine union. Under the ancient law prophets and priests sought from God revelations. " This treatise explains how to reach divine union quickly. From a treatise on The Ascent of Mount Carmel, by Saint John of the Cross, priest.
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