Ascent of mount carmel [clip 3]

On a dark night, Kindled in love with yearnings

And this first night pertains to beginners, occurring
at the time when God begins to bring them into the
state of contemplation; in this night the spirit
likewise has a part, as we shall say in due course. And
the second night, or purification, pertains to those who
are already proficient, occurring at the time when God
desires to bring them to the state of union with God.
And this latter night is a more obscure and dark and
terrible purgation, as we shall say afterwards.

By St. Johm of the cross