" it is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to the cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolved that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." ~ Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg address, November 1863 Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, November 1863 ~ Lincoln's main purpose in the excerpt was to? A.) Advocate racial equality. B.) Encourage the punishment of the south. C.) Propose expanded democratic voting rights. D.) Gain continued support for the war effort.