The undersigned inhabitants of the parish of St. Anne of Detroit, knowing that all Christians are obliged to obey the church since God does not regard as his children in heaven those who do not respect the Church on earth as their mother; that those who are not on the side of the bishop's and the church are not on the side of Christ, but are outside the church where there is no salvation, and considering that obedience to the church is an article of faith and that without faith it is impossible to please God; and that it is the office of the Bishop to determine the limits of controversy that may arise in their diocese; and wishing to avoid falling into schism which would lead to the loss of their souls - having heard the pastoral letter of the bishop Benedict Joseph Flaget from Loretto, Feb. 23, 1817 addressed to the members of the Corporation of St. Anne of Detroit, and all the Catholics attached to it, to end the division between the members of that parish, declare that they submit purely and simply to the command of the bishop. Signed by Richard and 62 others. :: III-2-f A.L.S. French 2pp. 4to., 2