The "composition" referred to we do not find among her papers; but much that she has written shows that she was indeed deeply interested in "that blessed hope" (Tit. 2:13). She was a decided pre- millennialist, and stood identified in her church-membership with the Evangelical Adventists. On completing her eighteenth year (Oct. 27, 1852), she said:—
"This evening, while looking back through all the events of my life, what is there that rejoices me most? It is one that the past year has brought forth,—one that will ever be remembered with deep and powerful emotions: the day that consecrated me to the Lord, when I breathed forth with a fervent heart, 'Give me Christ, or else I die,' and I was enabled to take up my cross and follow my Saviour in baptism."
Here there is no regret expressed for the step she had taken, nor did she ever feel any, though she greatly deplored her weakness and unprofitableness in the Lord's service. And why not? Listen to her, under date of June 13, 1853:—
"How sweet, when the soul has no earthly support, to fly to the Rock of Ages! The Saviour is precious to the heart of the pardoned sinner. There is nothing like the love of Jesus. He is not like other friends —oftentimes wearied by our complaints and the repetition of our sorrows, but is always longsuffering and delighting to hear and answer every cry of the burdened spirit; smiling ever in the darkest of afflictions, and forever dropping the balm of consolation into the distracted breast. Oh, what a privilege to have such a friend—such a sure and steadfast friend—such a wise and omnipotent friend. And he is my friend? Yes; he is 'the sinner's FRIEND,' and therefore mine: for surely nothing but wondrous love could have led him to die a cruel and ignominious death for me, polluted as I am. O Jesus, thou art my friend and I will be thy friend; thou didst love me first and I do love thee, but not as fervently as I should, nor so much as I desire. O God, give me more of thy Holy Spirit; may it consume every unhallowed passion, tear every idol from my heart, and consecrate that heart entirely to thee."
The only journal notes of considerable length which Miss JOHNSON seems to have made were for the years 1852 and 1853. Those for 1855 and 1860 were entered in a "daily miniature diary." We find none for other years, though she always kept her pen and pencil busy in some way as long as she had strength to write. The diary for 1855 is in rhyme— usually six lines being allotted to each day. While some of the verses are playful and witty, most of them are religious and plaintive. The following are given as specimens:
"Arose at six o'clock today:
How swift the moments sped away
Engaged in household duties;
Then Virgil claimed awhile my care,
And Pope of time a larger share,
With all his sweets and beauties."
"Mr. Goodenough and wife
Came here yesterday;
Through the changing scenes of life
Onward be their way;
And never may their path be rough
So long as they are Good-enough."
"Received of Robinson to-day
For my 'Address' a little pay:
The first of cash I ever had
For writing verses, good or bad.
O Lord, whate'er my gains may be
The tenth I dedicate to thee."
"I would not seek the haunts of mirth,
For in the gayest scenes of earth
Are hovering grief and care;
But oft I find a soothing power,
At twilight's calm and peaceful hour,
In secret prayer."
"Jesus, oh, precious name!
How sweet it sounds to me;
Come want, come grief, come death or shame
I'll cling, my Lord, to thee."