Final answer:
The common topic being developed in the stanzas is freedom, particularly religious freedom and self-government in the American colonies. Slavery is also mentioned as a significant aspect of colonial thought and culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common topic being developed in the stanzas is freedom. The stanzas mention that religious freedom was a major motivation for Europeans to venture to the American colonies, and how different faiths coexisted in the colonies. The stanzas also talk about the American colonists practicing different forms of self-government, which eventually led to their decision to revolt against British rule. Slavery is also mentioned, which influenced colonial thought and culture.