We see evidences of this growth of the _cultus_ of the Blessed Virgin in the erection and elaborate ornamentation of Lady Chapels throughout Christendom. It does not seem probable, however, that our pious forefathers in the ancient Church of England intended to encourage Mariolatry, by the introduction of these buildings into this country; for it is a singular and significant fact that in Spain, where this heretical and superstitious practice chiefly prevailed, Lady Chapels are very rare, because the church itself has been made to serve the purpose. English Churchmen, in their desire to honour the Mother of Christ, were careful to avoid this evil example. The erection of smaller buildings, and the setting apart, for the purpose, of one of the side aisles rather than the sanctuary itself, tend to show that they did not assign to the Blessed Virgin that _divine_ honour which was due only to her Son and Lord. The usual position of the Lady Chapel, beyond the choir, has, indeed, been considered as a proof that the honour paid to "Our Lady" exceeded that which was rendered unto our Lord, since the altar dedicated to her was set up beyond the High Altar in the most sacred portion of the church, and, in that position, might be said to overshadow it. But the usual situation of the Lady Chapel, at the east end of the choir or presbytery, proves nothing of the kind. One celebrated writer on the subject disclaims the idea in the following words, "Poole principally objects to the position of the Lady Chapel at the east end, 'above,' as he expresses it 'the High Altar.' Now we believe the Lady Chapel to have occupied the place merely on grounds of convenience, and not from any design--which is shocking to imagine--of exalting the Blessed Virgin to any participation in the honours of the Deity."[6] [Footnote 6: Durandus Symbol. lxxxviii.]