Considering that Lincoln explicitly stated that he was not an abolitionist, why did South Carolina secede from the Union upon his election in 1860?

South
Carolina seceded for two main reasons.  First, they did not trust what Lincoln said.  Second,
they felt that even if he were not an abolitionist he would govern only for the North,
neglecting the South or even hurting it purposely.

We should not be
surprised that people in South Carolina did not believe Lincoln.  Even today, many Americans
believe...