A Commentary on "The Ascent of Mount Carmel" and "The Dark Night of the Soul" Since the conduct of beginners in the way of God is much involved in the love of pleasure and self, God desires to withdraw them from this inferior way of loving. St. John of the CrossFr. William Meninger guides the reader through two basic works of inner development, "The Ascent of Mount Carmel" and "The Dark Night of the Soul," by St. John of the Cross (1542-1591) . He unfolds for modern readers the essence of these classical texts, section by section."St. John of the Cross for Beginners" is for anyone entering or considering the Christian path of inner work or wishing to go more deeply into one's path of development."