However, when I add this reference to the entity file to the top of my
  stylesheet: 
  <!DOCTYPE xsl:stylesheet [
  <!ENTITY % stylesheettext SYSTEM "stylesheettext.ent"> ]>

That ain't an entity reference, it's an entity declaration, you need to 
refer to the entity to pull in the external file, like so;


However, when I add this reference to the entity file to the top of my
stylesheet: 
<!DOCTYPE xsl:stylesheet [
<!ENTITY % stylesheettext SYSTEM "stylesheettext.ent">
 %stylesheettext;
  ]>

assuming stylesheettext.ent consists of a bunch of <!ENTITY
declarations.


David

_____________________________________________________________________
This message has been checked for all known viruses by Star Internet
delivered through the MessageLabs Virus Scanning Service. For further
information visit http://www.star.net.uk/stats.asp or alternatively call
01285 884400.

 XSL-List info and archive:  http://www.mulberrytech.com/xsl/xsl-list