17 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.
18 And it came to pass that we began to prosper exceedingly, and to multiply in the land.
19 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:
20 For I knew their hatred towards me and my children, and those who were called my people.
21 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.
22 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:
23 For they were not to be found upon the land;
24 Wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon's temple.
25 But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceeding fine.
26 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cause my people to be industrious, and to labor with their hands.
27 And it came to pass that they would that I should be their king.
