Just as a literal night is bounded by light, is measured in time which seems different than day, and which plumbs depths of a particular flavor unaccessible other ways, the Dark Night of the Soul experiences a unique journey.

This chapter is the end of the writing, though it doesn't seem to be a finished treatise. You'll have to ask St John of the Cross about it when you see him in glory.

St John of the Cross explains how a soul must be stripped of its old hangings, assumptions, habits, and ways in order to receive the new, spiritual, godly communication and intimacy of the Divine.

Expounding "in darkness and in concealment," St John of the Cross reasons through the relationship and interaction of good and evil in the soul, alluding often to Job's troubles as evidence for his theory.

St John of the Cross introduces the next stanza, expressing the joy of a soul being so blessed and chosen to experience this dark night, to have the opportunity to meet God more fully.

In this dark night, St John of the Cross says, the soul goes forth on the journey clothed in faith, hope, and charity, which serve to protect the soul from assailants well-recounted in this chapter.

St John of the Cross moves on to the higher steps of this spiritual ladder: Touching God, Boldly vehement, Seizing Fast to God, Burning Sweetness, Complete Unification. Many Biblical references (in host-butchered Latin as well as English) continue apace.

Continuing to call liberally upon the Psalms, Prophets, Historical books, and Gospels, St John of the Cross lays out the first five stages of this ladder which the soul climbs in the dark night. (Which are:) Languishing, Ceaseless seeking, Fervor, Suffering, Desire and Longing.

Pulling on prophets, Psalms, Proverbs, and the Gospel of Luke, St John of the Cross begins to illumine a sketch of this secret ladder of the soul as may have been experienced by our brothers and sisters in Scripture (and how it may manifest in our own spiritual lives).

This chapter expresses the way in which contemplation and living through this dark night of the soul can be indescribable. It is something beyond our senses or natural faculties, and therefore, is difficult to (and perhaps not meant to be) describe.

How can darkness feel secure? How can an obscured pathway provide safety? This long chapter examines these questions from many angles, untangling the seemingly contrary convictions.