What are Lincoln's fears regarding slavery in the "House Divided" speech?

Answer 1

It has been along time since I studied the subject but as I recall he did not want to get involved in to slavery issue for 2 primary reasons.

1st he feared that federal intervention into the issue would push the south into a war of secession.

2nd he was a states rights supporter and a limited central government...first Republican President and all.

Hope this is is start.

Answer 2

The speech is available online. Check it out and discover for yourself not only the answer to your question, but a lot more about the era and Lincoln's views.

http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/house.htm