We were amazed to see that one who had before been so negligent was so suddenly transfigured by this blessed change and transformation. We reverently buried him in the cemetery near the fort and after some days we looked for his holy relics, but did not find them.
-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