Goering, Jacob

Goering, Jacob, a Lutheran minister, was born in York County, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1755. His father was a farmer, and had designed his son for the same occupation, but, as the youth showed promising talents and hopeful piety, his father consented to his becoming a minister of the Gospel. He studied theology with Dr. Helmuth, and in 1786 became pastor of the Lutheran Church at York, Pennsylvania. Here he continued to labor until his death in 1807. Mr. Goering was regarded as an extraordinary man, a profound scholar, and an eloquent preacher. Nothing could check his ardor in the prosecution of his studies, or divert him from his purpose. In the pulpit he would often electrify his audience, and sway them at his will. It was his practice to present to his people systematic doctrinal instruction, always accompanied with a pointed application and an earnest appeal. On the afternoon of the Lord's day, in connection with the catechetical exercise, he examined the whole congregation on the subject of the morning's discourse. Although he wrote much, he published very little — only two small works on Baptism and one on Methodism. His MSS. contained discussions of theological questions, inquiries into the Oriental languages, and translations from the Arabic poets, but these valuable papers, with all his letters, in compliance with his directions in his last illness, were committed to the flames. (M.L.S.)