Which sentence in this excerpt from "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine proposes that the American colonies should be neutral in their
relationships with foreign nations?
I challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation, to shew, a single advantage that this continent can reap, by being connected with Great
Britain. I repeat the challenge, not a single advantage is derived. “Our corn will fetch its price in any market in Europe, and our imported goods
must be paid for, buy them where we will.”
But the injuries and disadvantages we sustain by that connection, are without number, and our duty to mankind at large, as well as to ourselves, instruct us to renounce the alliance: Because, any submission to, or dependence on Great Britain, tends directly to involve this continent in European wars and quarrels; and sets us at variance with nations, who would otherwise seek our friendship, and against whom, we have neither anger nor complaint. “As Europe is our market for trade, we ought to form no partial connection with any part of it.” It is the true interest of America to steer clear of European contentions, which she never can do, while by her dependence on Britain, she is made the make-weight in the scale of
British politics.
Europe is too thickly planted with kingdoms to be long at peace, and whenever a war breaks out between England and any foreign power, the trade of America goes to ruin, BECAUSE OF HER CONNECTION WITH ENGLAND. “The next war may not turn out like the last, and should it not, the advocates for reconciliation now, will be wishing for separation then, because, neutrality in that case, would be a safer convoy than a man of war.” Every thing that is right or natural pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, TIS TIME TO PART. Even the distance at which the Almighty hath placed England and America, is a strong and natural proof, that the authority of the one, over the other, was
never the design of Heaven. “The time likewise at which the continent was discovered, adds weight to the argument, and the manner in which i
was peopled increases the force of it.” The reformation was preceded by the discovery of America, as if the Almighty graciously meant to open a
sanctuary to the Persecuted in future years, when home should afford neither friendship nor safety.
