The influence of Laman's life was as potent for evil as Nephi's was for good. We can trace its effects through the ages, widening and deepening as generations came and passed away, casting its baleful shadow upon all who came within its range. No mortal pen can describe the bloodshed, and carnage, and misery which have been the results of his teachings. He imbibed the spirit of falsehood in the outset. He never appears to have done justice to the views and aims of his father and brother. He tortured their teachings and acts, designed for the benefit and happiness of himself and all the company, into causes sufficiently atrocious to justify him in taking their lives. This conception of their characters and motives--and especially so with respect to Nephi--he gave to all who accompanied him. It was indelibly fastened upon the mind of their descendants; and false and cruel as it was, it became the fixed and permanent tradition of their entire race. Though these traditions died out with the disappearance of the Nephites as an organized nationality, there being no longer any reason for keeping them alive, yet we have but to look at the Indians which we see around us, to behold the dreadful consequences of Laman's example, false traditions and life. The wild Indian, as we see him in our day, exactly personifies the life which Laman upwards of twenty-four centuries ago, chose for himself and descendants. CHAPTER XII. Nephi Practically the Leader--Commanded to Build a Ship--Directed to the Ore out of Which to make Tools--Makes a Bellows--Obtains Fire--Fault-finding and Ridicule of his Brethren--His Sadness and their Elation--They Grumble at and Reproach their Father and Him--He Reasons with Them--Enraged, They Attempt to Throw Him in the Sea--Nephi full of Power of God--They dare not Touch Him--They are Shaken Before Him--Fall down to Worship Him--Told by Nephi to Worship God--Nephi Shown by the Lord how he should work Timbers, etc.--Not Worked after the Manner taught by Men--Helped by his Brothers--Ship Finished--Laman and Others Acknowledge Nephi's Ability to Build a Ship--Mountains as Places of Worship. After the colony reached the land Bountiful it is noticeable that the practical leadership devolved upon Nephi, and it continued to be so from that time onward. He had grown strong in body--a stalwart, vigorous, energetic, untiring and undaunted man--but he had also grown in the knowledge and gifts of the Lord. There seemed to be no bounds to his faith. He honored his father, Lehi, and still, doubtless, looked to him for counsel. But Lehi was growing in years and was probably not fitted to take upon him the burden of active labor. They had now enjoyed a lengthened rest in this charming land; and the time had come for action. It was to Nephi the Lord revealed that which was next to be done. He commanded him to go up into the mountain. When he reached there he cried unto the Lord. The Lord said to him: