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.
28 But I, Nephi, was desirous that they should have no king; nevertheless, I did for them according to that which was in my power.
29 And behold, the words of the Lord had been fulfilled unto my brethren, which he spake concerning them, that I should be their ruler and their teacher;
30 Wherefore, I had been their ruler and their teacher, according to the commandment of the Lord, until the time they sought to take away my life.
