"whereas we all came into these parts of america with one and the same end and aim, namely, to advance the kingdom of our lord jesus christ and to enjoy the liberties of the gospel in purity with peace; and whereas in our settling (by a wise providence of god) we are further dispersed upon the sea coasts and rivers than was at first intended, so that we can not according to our desire with convenience communicate in one government and the said united colonies for themselves and their posterities do jointly and severally hereby enter into a firm and perpetual league of friendship and amity for offence and defence, mutual advice and succor upon all just occasions both for preserving and propagating the truth and liberties of the gospel and for their own mutual safety and welfare." - from the articles of confederation of the united colonies of new england, 1643 according to this passage, a primary reason for creating the articles of confederation of the united colonies of new england was to a) protect one another. b) convert native americans. c) prepare for independence. d) trade goods with native americans.