That the Rule of St. Benedict has been highly and deservedly esteemed is universally admitted. The name of its holy and illustrious author, the wisdom, prudence and sublime maxims, which shine in every page of this Rule, fully establish its claim to solid merit. Those excellent qualities obtained for it the approbation of the Holy See, in the first instance, and subsequently that of many Ecclesiastical Councils, which honoured it with the distinguished title of The Holy Rule. Many Religious Orders of the Western Church adopted it, secular princes and sovereigns studiously read it, declaring that they found in the prudent maxims, and divine wisdom inculcated by the holy Legislator, important light and assistance for the good government of their States.