BOOK IV: SUMMARY AND ILLUSTRATIONS

The figures and the explanations given here are intended to convey only something of the spirit of Burnet's arguments in these remaining books. Note that the frontispiece to the theory (see main page) provides a graphic summary of the theory, from the creation to the consummation. When one considers the order of events presented in this diagram, it is evident that Burnet has presented his theory out of order -Book I is about the Flood and the creation of the present topography of Earth, while Book II argues for what came before, and Books III and IV argue for what is to come.

BOOK IV
Concerning the new Heavens and the new Earth,
AND
Concerning the Consummation of all things.

This book is concerned with the state of the Earth that follows the destruction by Fire (Book III), and after that its ultimate fate. Next to Book II, this is the least "scientific" of his books.

Fire can transform things but not destroy them -- for that we require Annihilation. (p.319). What the Fire sets up is the Renovation of Earth as a place fit for the Righteous at the Millennium (p.322).

Burnet establishes this order of events through Scripture and Ancient texts.

Chapter II

The Birth of the new Heavens and the new Earth, from the second Chaos, or the remains of the old World. The form, order, and qualities of the new Earth, according to Reason and Scripture. 

HAVING prov'd from Scripture, that we are to expect New Heavens, and a New Earth, after the Conflagration; it would be some pleasure and satisfaction to see how this new Frame will arise: and what foundation there is in Nature for the accomplishment of these promises. For, tho' the Divine Power be not bound to all the Laws of Nature, but may dispence with them when there is a necessity ; yet it is an ease to us in our belief, when we see them both conspire in the same effect. And in order to this, we must consider in what posture we left the demolish'd World: what hopes there is of a Restauration. And we are not to be discourag'd, because we see things at present wrapt up in a confus'd Mass: for, according to the methods of Nature and Providence, in that dark Womb usually are the seeds and rudiments of an Embryo-World. 

Neither is there, possibly, so great a confusion in this Mass, as we imagine. The Heart and interiour Body of the Earth is still entire: and that part of it that is consum'd by the fire, will be divided, of its own accord, into two Regions. What is dissolv'd and melted, being the heaviest, will descend as low as it can: and cover and enclose the kernel of the Earth round about, as a molten Sea or Abyss: according as is explain'd and set down in the precedent Book. But what is more light and volatile, will float in the Air : as fumes, smoak, exhalations, vapours of Water, and whatsoever terrestrial parts can be elevated and supported by the strength of fire. These all mingled together, of different sizes, figures, and motions, will constitute an opake Cloud, or thick region of darkness round the Earth: So as the Globe of the Earth, with its Atmosphere, after the Conflagration is finish'd, will stand in the form represented in this Scheme.

Now as to the lower of these two regions, the region of melted matter, A. A. we shall have little occasion to take notice of it: seeing it will contribute nothing to the formation of the new World. But the upper region, or all above that Orb of fire, is the true draught of a Chaos: or a mixture and confusion of all the Elements, without order or distinction. Here are particles of Earth, and of Air, and of Water, all promiscuously jumbled together, by the force and agitation of the fire. But when that force ceases, and everyone is left to its own inclination, they will, according to their different degrees of gravity, separate and sort themselves after this manner. First, the heaviest and grossest parts of the Earth will subside; then the watery parts will follow; then a lighter sort of Earth; which will stop and rest upon the Surface of the Water, and compose there a thin film or membrane; this membrane or tender Orb is the first rudiment or foundation of a new habitable Earth. For according as terrestrial parts fall upon it, from all the regions and heighths of the Atmosphere, or of the Chaos, this Orb will grow more firm, strong, and immoveable: able to support it self and Inhabitants too. And having in it all the Principles of a fruitful Soil, whether for the production of Plants or of Animals, it will want no property or character of an habitable Earth. And particularly, will become such an Earth, and of such a form, as the first Paradisiacal Earth was. Which hath been fully describ'd in the first and second Books of this Theory.

There is no occasion of examining more accurately the formation of this Second Earth, seeing it is so much the same with that of the First; which is set down fully and distinctly in the 5th Chapter of the first Book of this Theory. Nature here repeats the same work, and in the same method; onely the materials are now a little more refin'd and purg'd by the fire. They both rise out of a Chaos, and That, in effect, the same in both cases; For though in forming the first Earth, I suppos'd the Chaos or confus'd Mass to reach down to the Center, I did that onely for the ease of our imagination; that so the whole Mass might appear more simple and uniform. But in reality, that Chaos had a solid kernel of Earth within, as this hath; and that matter which fluctuated above in the regions of the Air, was the true Chaos, whose parts, when they came to a separation, made the several Elements, and the form of an habitable Earth betwixt the Air and Water. This Chaos upon separation, will fall into the same form and Elements: and so in like manner create or constitute a second Paradisiacal World.

I say a Paradisiacal World: For it appears plainly, that this new-form'd Earth must agree with that Primigenial Earth, in the two principal and fundamental properties. First, It is of an even, entire, uniform and regular Surface, without Mountains or Sea. Secondly, That it hath a straight and regular situation to the Sun, and the Axis of the Ecliptick. From the manner of its formation, it appears manifestly, that it must be of an even and regular Surface. For the Orb of liquid fire, upon which the first descent was made, being smooth and uniform everywhere, the matter that fell upon it would take the same  form and mould.
. . . 

Burnet refers the reader to Book II for a further explanation of the orientation of the Axis and the Paradise and the "Primigenial Earth."

Regarding the peopling and nature of the New Earth, he states that reason cannot be our guide, and bids it farewell "as Moses upon Mount Pisgah" (p.327). He continues to reason based upon Revelation (Millenary Doctrine, mainly) and Ancient Texts. This new Earth is the future Kingdom of Christ coming upon the Millennium.

Beyond this New Earth there is then Annihilation -- "I will not tell you what foundation there is in Nature, for this change or transformation . . . the Earth and all its dependencies: are absorpt into mass of Fire; and converted, by a glorious Victory over the power of darkness, into a Luminous Body and a region of Light . . . the Heavens and the Earth shall flie away at the Day of Judgment . . . their removing to some other part of the Universe; so as their place or residence shall not be found any more here below." (p.376,377)

"There we leave it; Having conducted it for the space of Seven Thousand Years, through various changes from a dark Chaos to a bright Star". (p.377).