Final answer:
In the sentence given, 'comports' would be best replaced by 'corresponds', since it appropriately questions the harmony between a gracious reception and warlike preparations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the sentence provided, 'comports' would best be replaced by 'corresponds'. The word 'comports' means to be in agreement or harmony with something. When one asks how a gracious reception of our petition corresponds with warlike preparations, they are questioning how the two actions are in agreement with each other. The other options provided (subscribes, endorses, advocates, and condones) do not accurately replace 'comports' within the context of this sentence, as they do not convey the same sense of agreement or consistency between two actions.
In the sentence provided, the word 'comports' means 'corresponds' or 'matches'. It refers to the idea of how the gracious reception of the petition aligns with the warlike preparations. Therefore, the best replacement for 'comports' would be 'corresponds'. The sentence would read: 'Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition corresponds with these warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land.'