The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1881-01-22
Notes from Aunt Chats Portfolio.

NOCeS from Aunt CuaCS IOfGlOllOs
New Year Thoughts ts-Cards and Calls-Dec-
orations and SERVICES at Christ Church.
The Opera-Social Reunions-The Au-
thor of Grandissimes-Dr. Milburn, the
Blindi Preacher.
New ORLEANS, Jan. II, 1880.
Can you realize that. three weeks of
the New Year have passed awayf One
of our learned Divines in his sermon at
the Opening of thesyear said: Friends
we face great mystery" And indeed
it is great mystery. What it will be to
each, ono of us, what changes it will
bring, are questions which arise i'll every
mind and apass the lips unanswered.
Alas! who can tellf
All years are alike, say some, and it
will depend upon ourselves whether it
bring us sorrow or happiness.
II most was sour, the drinker notsthelcupwe blame.
Who would might groan: who would, might sing for
JOY.
Very true! Much of trial and unhap-
piness which we attribute to the dispcn-
sations of Providence, we, bring upon
onr ourselves; yet, there come SORROWS
into the lives Of many, not Of their own
making and which, however cheerfully
borne, plunge the heart, at times, into
the very depths of sadness. There is
many mound in the churchyard to-day
that was not there a year ago; many a
homo that was filled with the sunlight of
JOY then, that is in the midnight Of sor-
row now. And as one sits gazing into
the Pickering flames Of the New Year fro,
such memories-bitter, bitter memories
of loved ones called from us-of friend
ships broken-of plans and hopes
destroyed--of treasures lost, crowd the
mind that in tho weakness of despair
the heart is unnerved and the spirits
flag. But, we must not falter; we must
not weary in well-doing. We must take
courage and onward go; working by
faith, trustingly as littlo child. If
crosses come to us, bear them hunbly
and patiently; if sunshine, accept it with
gratitude. Come veal or woe, let MS with
hope in our hearts give welcome to 1881.
Now Years day was charming, and
John.and hope the good old Knickor-
booker custom Of making New Year calls
will never become obsolete. 1t certainly
is we'll suited to wen so immersed in
business that, during the entire year
they can not take time to call on the
dear Five hundred friends" There was
much less calling than usual this year,
and would you believe it, there are many
who worked hard all day in their Offices
without getting even glimpse OF the
bright eyed household deities who mado
ready the good cheer. Perhaps after
awhile they will initiate New York, (you
know we are good imitators) and simply
send their cards through the mail. IT
they do, would suggest that they adopt
the pretty Creole custom of sending a
package of bon bons with the card.
What pretty, cheering custom, too, is
that Of sending Christmas and New Year
picture cards; reminding those miles
away that they are not forgotten and on
abling one by the expenditure Of few
cents to keep the links Of friendship
polished unto brightness.
Although the faintest echo of Christ
mas bells and Christmas jollity has died
away, must say a few words about the
glorious service held in Trinity Church
commemorative Of the nativity of our
blessed Lord. The decorations, the work
of the ladies who are ever faithful and
true, were very elaborate and beautiful
including even the vestibule. The ser,
mon was as usual, fine; but, the music
was something extra-orchestral music
Just think Of it; sixteen instruments
and full chrous! Very few of the con
gregation were prepared for such u de
parture from the usual custom and wher
the food of sound filled the air, it wal
| funny to see the turning of heads to
wards the choir with faces expressive 0
surprise and horror. The conclusion
drawn by many was that it was out
rageous and nothing more than going t.
tho opera, Sunday morning.
Now, in all such things it is so much
mere matter Of education that I thin
this Indignation will wear away (ther
was about as much when the cornet wa
introduced, year ago), and the peopl
will learn to like it and conclude that
is rather soul inspiring than otherwise
One Of the clergy here insists that sue
music is more distracting than attract
ing; that even cornet is very objet
tionable. Yet, the organ i'll his churcl
lately placed there, has cornet attacl
ment. Surely the sounds from a separat
cornet are no worse than when COZ,
bined with an organ. Then, too, peOpl
who swell with Indignation at the use {
instruments in churches, other than I'll
organ, forget that the organ is intende
to be a combination of instruments an
that, in the Bible-days, all kinds Of il
struments then in vogue were used
: celebrating the praise of Jehovah. The
were tabrets and harps, cymbals an
lutes, but no organs, for the simple re-
, son that there were none in existence.
see no sort of objection to any kind
) number of instruments, provided th
) they, together, discourse sweet musi
Let the praise and thanksgisings