Read Lincoln’s statement from "The Gettysburg Address." But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate – we cannot consecrate – we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. In this excerpt, Lincoln uses brevity to create a dramatic impact by saying that the people do not have the power to make the land sacred. by saying that it is up to the people to consecrate the land for the soldiers. by discussing how the land should be considered sacred and holy. by repeating how people cannot make the land as sacred as the soldiers have.