2 Nephi 5:11

And the Lord was with us; and we did prosper exceedingly;

for we did sow seed, and we did reap again in abundance.

And we began to raise flocks, and herds, and animals of every kind.

2 Nephi 5:12

And I, Nephi, had also brought the records

which were engraven upon the plates of brass;

and also the ball, or compass,

which was prepared for my father by the hand of the Lord,

according to that which is written.

2 Nephi 5:13

And it came to pass that we began to prosper exceedingly,

and to multiply in the land.

2 Nephi 5:14

And I, Nephi, did take the sword of Laban,

and after the manner of it did make many swords,

lest by any means the people who were now called Lamanites

should come upon us and destroy us;

for I knew their hatred towards me and my children

and those who were called my people.

2 Nephi 5:15

And I did teach my people to build buildings,

and to work in all manner of wood,

and of iron, and of copper, and of brass, and of steel,

and of gold, and of silver, and of precious ores,

which were in great abundance.

2 Nephi 5:16

And I, Nephi, did build a temple;

and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon

save it were not built of so many precious things;

for they were not to be found upon the land,

wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon's temple.

But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon;

and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine.

2 Nephi 5:17

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cause my people

to be industrious,

and to labor with their hands.

2 Nephi 5:18

And it came to pass that they would that I should be their king.

But I, Nephi, was desirous that they should have no king;

nevertheless, I did for them according to that which was in my power.