To see it in our power to make a world happy – to teach mankind the art of being so – to exhibit, on the theatre of the universe a character hitherto unknown – and to have, as it were, a new creation intrusted to our hands, are honors that command reflection, and can neither be too highly estimated, nor too gratefully received. What idea does Paine reference in these lines?

The colonies are undeserving of discipline by the British.

The colonies must seek protection from other nations.

The colonies are an example to be followed.

The colonies face an uncertain political future.