Entertains his readers with a letter from a correspondent concerning the present state of the _Law_; takes notice of the spleen which in general appears against lawyer and law; says, that the multiplicity of statutes is one of the greatest grievances of this kingdom. Quotes an opinion of a learned judge, that the best way to reform the law, was to abrogate all the acts made for its amendment. Asserts, that the founding a proper _Corpus Juris_, is the highest point of policy in a well order’d state. The old _English_ method of proceeding against debtors, being judg’d inconvenient, produced the act on which was found’d the _Capias in detinue_, as the shortest way of recovery. Complains of fictitious suits, particularly in ejectments. He resents likewise the encouragement given in every court to the multitude of suitors, as contrary to the very ends of justice. Proposes some remedies for these evils, by an act empowering commissioners to inspect into 1. _The condition of the law in general, common and statute; what of them may be repealed, and what not._ 2. _To frame proper instructions to direct those who are intrusted with the execution of the law._ 3. _To examine into the nature of actions on the case, which by judge ~Dodderidge~ is declared to be a feigned action contrived in deceit of the law._ 4. _To contrive how to prevent vexatious and litigious suits, by lessening the credit of parole agreement._ 5. _That every practiser of the law be obliged by oath to give his opinion justly to the best of his knowledge, to practise fairly, and by no indirect means procure false judgment in any case._ Lastly, _To compile a compleat body of the law, with an institute of maxims and rules, a treatise of practice, and the forms to be observed by courts._ See more concerning the amending the law, _p._ 77. 98. 100. 106. and the substance of the Act passed this Sessions of Parliament relating there to p. 213. _Poetical ESSAYS for ~JANUARY, 1731~._ _~ODE~ for New-Years-Day by ~C. Cibber~, Esq;_ _Recitativo._ Once more the ever circling Sun Thro’ the coelestial signs has run, Again old Time inverts his glass, And bids the annual Season pass: The youthful Spring shall call for birth, 5 And glad with op’ning flow’rs the Earth: Fair Summer lead with Sheaves the Field, And golden Fruit shall Autumn yield, Each to the Winter’s want their store shall bring, ’Till warmer genial Suns recall the Spring. 10 _Air._ Ye grateful _Britons_ bless the Year, That kindly yields increase, While plenty that might feed a War, Enjoys the guard of peace, Your plenty to the Skies you owe, 15 Peace is your Monarch’s care; Thus bounteous _Jove_ and _George_ below Divided empire share. _Recitativo._