Full Idea
In modern times monarchical government seems to have made the greatest advances towards perfection. It may now be affirmed of civilized monarchies, what was formerly said in praise of republics alone, that they are a government of laws, not of men.
Gist of Idea
Modern monarchies are (like republics) rule by law, rather than by men
Source
David Hume (Of Civil Liberty [1750], p.54)
Book Reference
Hume,David: 'Selected Essays' [OUP 1996], p.54
A Reaction
Dreams of simple 'government by law' disappeared with the rise of modern media, which can be controlled by wealth.