Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king. 1 Samuel 15:23.  {CC 158.1}        Terrified by the denunciation of the prophet, Saul acknowledged his guilt, which he had before stubbornly denied; but he still persisted in casting blame upon the people, declaring that he had sinned through fear of them.  {CC 158.2}        It was not sorrow for sin, but fear of its penalty, that actuated the king of Israel. . . . It was his chief anxiety to maintain his authority and retain the allegiance of the people. . . . As Samuel turned to depart, the king, in an agony of fear, laid hold of his mantle to hold him back, but it rent in his hands. Upon this, the prophet declared, "The Lord hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbor of thine, that is better than thou." . . .  {CC ...