Discourses on the Malevolent Sentiments

Discourses On The Malevolent Sentiments by John Hey. This work surveys the core human passions that disturb moral life: hatred, envy, malice, and resentment. Hey outlines their definitions, distinguishing simple feelings from mixed sentiments, and explains how these passions arise, their permissible and harmful aspects, and their effects on individuals and society. He treats Hatred as the opposite of Love, explores its connections with disapprobation, envy and enmity, and discusses its dual potential to promote social order or to generate ill-will. In Part II, he turns to Misanthropy, describing the misanthrope’s self-deception and the social harms he causes, then proposes measures to restore benevolence through improving understanding, bodily health, and exposure to virtuous company. Part III details Envy, including its relation to Emulation and Jealousy, its good and bad consequences, and practical methods to curb its excesses. Part IV covers Malice, with its good and harmful effects and regulation. Part V–VII examine Resentment, its condemnation and its scriptural treatment, and how forgiveness, mercy, and peacemaking align with natural law and Christian virtue. The discourses aim to guide readers toward a prudent, benevolent governance of these passions, for personal happiness and social harmony.