Franklin uses the methaphor of the snake cut into pieces to illustrate the colonies’ need to

the protestant reformation's started in 1517, disturbing the religious and political order in europe´s catholic countries. the outcome was the european wars of religion prosecuted in europe in the 16th, 17th and part of the 18th century. nonetheless, uprisings, territorial disputes, and great power conflicts were also causes of the wars.  

the option which was not a function of missionaries in the northwest was the first one - they established posts for trading furs and other goods.

missionaries were sent around the world to spread religion and their knowledge and others - they were not merchants who sold furs and other goods.