"The difference between heresy and treason, at one time, was very slight. One was disloyalty to the Church, the other disloyalty to the State. The difference between heresy and treason, at one time, was very slight. One was disloyalty to the Church, the other disloyalty to the State. Luther's peril was very great. The coils had been deliberately laid for him, and he had as deliberately placed his neck in the noose. Surely his accusers had been very patient--every opportunity had been given to him to recant."