After Lehi died, Laman and Lemuel (and those that were on their side of things), sought to take Nephi's life. They were going to kill him because he was a leader and example to them, but he was their younger brother, and they didn't want their younger brother telling them what to do.
So while they made plans to kill him, Nephi was warned to get out of there, so he took all those that were on his side, and left. And he talks a little about how his people were and what they did. I love the verse that says that they lived after the manner of happiness. But what did they do to live that way? Well, they had the secret. This chapter, 2 Nephi 5, has a lot of the answers to the question of how Nephi and his people lived after the manner of happiness.
"And we did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things, according to the law of Moses." (2 Nephi 5:10)
Of course, the first thing we need to do to be happy is be righteous and keep the commandments.
"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 5:12)
They had the scriptures and guidance from the Lord. I'm sure these items didn't just sit on a shelf collecting dust, either. They probably were well used.
"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;" (2 Nephi 5:14)
They made a way to provide for their physical safety. I'm not saying you need to stockpile weapons, but they had a way to stay safe from their enemies.
"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 5:15)
They learned trades and had livelihoods.
"And I, Nephi, did build a temple;" (2 Nephi 5:16)
I'm sure they didn't just have a temple to look at and admire. I'm certain that it was well used.
"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cause my people to be industrious, and to labor with their hands." (2 Nephi 5:17)
They weren't lazy. They worked hard. And they weren't afraid to get their hands dirty.
"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did consecrate Jacob and Joseph, that they should be priests and teachers over the land of my people." (2 Nephi 5:26)
They had the priesthood and church leadership.
They did a lot to be happy, and I'm sure I haven't captured everything they did. But I know that doing more of what I have found from their account will certainly lead to greater happiness.
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