Mosiah Ch8

In this chapter, Ammon is teaching the people and they tell him of the records they found when the broke off. The records are those of a people who lived on this land long before Nephites and Lamanites. The records can be translated  by seers.

We finished last chapter with words by King Limhi to his people which is only a portion of all he spoke (v1). The story of the people they left is told to them by Ammon who also explained the last words of King Benjamin (v2-3). The multitude was dismissed and the record of Limhi's people since they broke off is read by Ammon (v4-6). Limhi mentions another record they discovered while trying to find their way back to Zarahemla (v7-9). These 24 records of gold, along with brass plates and swords, were proof of a deserted land (v10-11). 

Limhi wants to know what happened to those people and asked Ammon is anyone can translate the plates (v12). Ammon speaks of a gift from God that allows seers who are commanded of God to use and interpret other languages (v13). They are called Urim and Thummim, and prophets and revelators are the ones who have used them with permission from The Lord (v14-16). Joesph Smith was a prophet who used them to translate records for us.

A seer can know all things The Lord allows him to know including past, future, secret, and hidden things (v17). God provides these things through faith to warn His people (v18). Limhi rejoices to know that it is possible to know the mysteries on the plates and glories that God has preserved them for his lost sheep (v19-21).