Final answer:
President Lincoln made this statement to convince Southerners that he posed no threat to their way of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Lincoln made this statement in an effort to convince Southerners that he posed no threat to their way of life. By emphasizing that the government will not assail them and that they have no conflict without being the aggressors, Lincoln aimed to ease tensions and avoid the outbreak of war. He wanted to reassure the Southern states that his primary goal was to preserve and protect the government, not to destroy it.
Learn more about President Lincoln's statement to avoid conflict and war