But when he was about to die, we broke open the door and went in, and after many questions this alone was all we heard from him: 'Forgive me! No one who has acquired the remembrance of death will ever be able to sin.'
-St. John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century


So by his true and praise-worthy repentance the Lord showed us that even after long negligence He accepts those who desire to amend. The remembrance of death and sins precedes weeping and mourning ... The remembrance of death is a daily death ...
-St. John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century