Covenanting was predicted in prophecy in reference to New Testament times. Both in the first and in the later ages, the performance of the duty in these ages was foretold. It was intimated when it was said concerning the Messiah,--"Unto him shall the gathering of the people be."[764] Many prophecies uttered concerning the restoration of Israel, refer to the present dispensation; and consequently, the predicted exercises of Covenanting which these contain, to it also belong.[765] Corresponding to the prophetic intimation concerning a people who should be created to praise the Lord, is that of a new heavens and a new earth; both are to be fulfilled in gospel times, and by those who were to be created, engaging in the duty of taking hold on God's covenant.[766] The Saviour was promised for a covenant of the people, and for a light of the Gentiles; and also that he might establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolated heritages.[767] The last of the Old Testament prophets, at the same time that he speaks of the covenant of the priesthood having been broken by the Jews, who were unbelievers, uttering the prediction,--"My name shall be great among the Gentiles,"[768] pre-intimates that all the heathen nations shall use the name of God in vowing and swearing unto him. Early was uttered the prophecy,--"God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem."[769] An illustration of it is given in these words,--"Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also?"[770] Its reference to Covenanting is therefore manifest. Many passages besides, from the Old Testament prophets, show that the Gentiles in their national capacities shall vow and swear to God.[771] And in the book of Revelation, the same is foretold.[772] Explicit predictions are made concerning the Egyptians vowing a vow and performing it, and concerning the Assyrians along with them and Israel being reckoned as the Lord's people, which fall to be fulfilled in the later times.[773] And by the voice of prophecy we are assured, that by Covenanting, in the last days, Israel and Judah shall be gathered and united as the Lord's people. By the breaking of the staff "Beauty," a prophet was called to signify that the Lord's covenant with Israel was broken; and by the cutting of the other staff, "Bands," he was directed to show, that the brotherhood--certainly one which had been professedly by covenant, between Judah and Israel should be broken.[774] But even an earlier prophet, by the use of the corresponding emblems,--of one stick for Judah and Israel his companions, and another for Ephraim and all the house of Israel his companions, in joining them into one stick, was commissioned to testify to their being joined to one another, in taking the Lord for their God, in the latter day.[775] Referring to the words of sacred psalmody,--"Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord,