The Massachusetts Spy

From the Emporium, published at Trenton, N.J.

"BE DELIBERATE."

No organ of the human system requires more care in its government than that of speech. The tongue frequently offends when the heart is far from wishing offence; and I have often tho't that much pain would be avoided, much trouble spared, and much more good sense evinced, if, always before we spoke, we suffered this single thought to steal like a monitor across the mind--Be deliberate. A passionate temper frequently leads to unpleasant disputes. There's my friend Hasty, who, as it regards natural talent, has not many superiours, and yet he is kept in broils perpetually by a habit he has of making some cutting remarks on every little folly he sees in the conduct of his neighbours, without the least regard to a suitable time or place. I heard him say the other day, that Mr. Medicus was a quack, and in fact I think he was not far from the truth: but then M's brother, who was standing by, knocked him down for it. Hasty has prosecuted him, and an expensive law-suit is probably in embryo--and the cost and trouble however great, may be set down to the account of Hasty's speaking without a moment's reflection.

Simon Scruple is as tenacious of his word as every honest, careful man ought to be--but ask him a question, and you get a yes or no in a second: no matter if his answer involves half his fortune.

Whenever I hear a merchant say hastily to every one--"you shall have any credit"--thinks I to myself, friend, you'd better be deliberate about it--it's a chance if you find others as willing to trust you, and if you do, you may be called on to pay before you are paid.

When I see a dashing speculator hand a note 'payable in thirty days,' to a modest unsuspecting farmer, and request his name as a mere matter of form, I long for an opportunity to whisper in his ear--be deliberate--many an aching heart, many a wretched family, and many a ruined estate has been the consequence of a signature given as a mere matter of form.

When I see a man go with his five dollars to an unprincipled lawyer, for advice how to defraud his neighbour, I think even he had better--be deliberate.

The devil, it is said, sometimes cheats his own customers; and it may be his misfortune to be caught in his own trap.

When I see a young lady with a fine young fellow, I am glad. But when I read in that eye a tale her lips long to utter, I say involuntarily, my fair one--be deliberate--believe me, even the truth is not to be spoken at all times.

When I hear a mechanick make a promise I know he will not fulfil--I cannot help thinking it would be well for him to be deliberate--to pause before he promises he will perform.

In fine, Messrs. Printers, deliberation is the soul of wisdom. Never do any thing in a hurry, was the advice of a great man; and similar to this injunction is the maxim; "think twice and speak once." I have but compressed this good advice into two laconick words.--Before you speak or act on any occasions, recollect my advice--be deliberate--and all will go right.

OAKWOOD.