On the evening of 11 March 1842, the at , Illinois, met at ’s office and then JS’s home to deliberate on charges against . Beginning in 1835 if not earlier, Bishop taught controversial ideas, including the possibility that he was a prophet. The high council in , Ohio, deliberated on charges related to these teachings in September 1835. Looking back on Bishop’s activities, wrote in March 1842, “The church had been so much troubled with him by his foolish conduct that he had been cut off a number of times from the Church & restored.”

On 7 March 1842 signed a statement charging with two types of improper conduct: “First for setting himself up as a prophet and Revelator to the Church— Secondly for an improper course of conduct in meetings.” According to JS’s journal the complaint was based on Bishop having “written & publishd or taught certain Revelations & doctrines not consistent with the Doctrine and Covenants of the Church.” At the 11 March high council meeting, Bishop declined to “present the written Revelations,” after which “the Mayer [] issued his warrant & brought them before the council” and Bishop reluctantly read from them. , who was present, described them as the “greatest Bundle of Nonsens ever put together.”

Afterward, JS explained “the nature of the case. & gave a very clear elucidation of the tendency of such Prop[h]ets & propecyings & gave over to the Buffetings of Satan until he shall learn wisdom.” According to , JS also stated that “nothing would excuse him [Bishop] in the sight of God & angels in committing the unpardonable sin ownly because he was a fool & had not sens sufficient for the Holy Ghost to enlighten him.” After JS’s remarks, as well as statements by four counselors, the council voted unanimously for Bishop’s excommunication. At some point during the meeting, JS burned Bishop’s written revelations.

The minutes for the 11 March 1842 meeting were kept by and were presumably recorded into the minute book contemporaneously.