Here's a quote I've often presented, although to date I don't believe it's had any impact.

by GC: 4) Mrs. White herself takes no sides in the matter in this statement, other than to urge true conversion of heart before taking up this study.

by Ellen: I am asked concerning the law in Galatians. What law is the schoolmaster to bring us to Christ? I answer: Both the ceremonial and the moral code of ten commandments. {1SM 233.1}

She doesn't in that statement, but she did later see the law in Galations as the 10 Commandments and the cerimonial law which together make up the Old Covenant.

Especially the Moral Law

"The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith" (Gal. 3:24). In this scripture, the Holy Spirit through the apostle is speaking especially of the moral law. The law reveals sin to us, and causes us to feel our need of Christ and to flee unto Him for pardon and peace by exercising repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. {1SM 234.5}
[Selected Messages Book 1 (1958)]

But this was not the case at Minneapolis. Those there did not try to make their differences "as slight as possible." For two years the issue of the law in Galatians had smoldered, and when it was taken up, bitterness and accusations were unleashed. {3BIO 399.2}

The focal point was verse 24 of chapter 3, which reads: "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." There was no argument among Seventh-day Adventists concerning the believer's being justified by faith, although this vital truth was sadly neglected at the time. In 1888 the sharp difference of opinion, as when J. H. Waggoner wrote on the subject in 1854, was whether the law brought to view as the schoolmaster was the moral or the ceremonial law. Thus two issues were bound up in a study of "the law and the gospel" in such a way that if one topic suffered in bitter debate, both were affected. The great adversary took advantage of this. {3BIO 399.3}

The Law in Galatians at Last Introduced

On Monday, October 15, near the close of the institute, E. J. Waggoner introduced the subject of the law in Galatians. The discussion ran for almost a week at the Bible study periods in the General Conference session. Beginning with the second day, Waggoner placed the emphasis on justification by faith. He was scholarly, gentle, and earnest, his arguments persuasive. On Monday, October 22, just one week after beginning his studies, he wrote a report of the progress of the institute and the General Conference session for the readers of the Signs of the Times. After writing of the subjects presented in the Bible study hour during the first few days, he reported that next taken up were "the law and the gospel in their various relations, coming under the general head of justification by faith." {3BIO 399.5}

These subjects have aroused a deep interest in the minds of
all present; and thus far during the conference, one hour a day
has been devoted to a continuance of their study.--ST, Nov. 2,
1888. {3BIO 400.1}

His audience generally was in sympathy with the much-loved and respected Uriah Smith. Many stood with Butler, who was absent. Because Ellen White was tolerant and wished to see a fair discussion of the vital question of Christ and His righteousness, it was assumed she was influenced by Waggoner. This she denied, testifying: {3BIO 400.2}

I have had no conversation in regard to it with my son W. C.
White, with Dr. Waggoner, or with Elder A. T. Jones.--MS 15,
1888 (see also A. V. Olson, Thirteen Crisis Years,
pp. 304, 305). {3BIO 400.3}

All could see that she listened attentively to Waggoner's expositions. In her retrospective statement, written soon after the conference, she declared: {3BIO 400.4}

When I stated before my brethren that I had heard for the first
time the views of Elder E. J. Waggoner, some did not believe me.
I stated that I had heard precious truths uttered that I could
respond to with all my heart, for had not these great and glorious truths, the righteousness of Christ and the entire sacrifice made in behalf of man, been imprinted indelibly on my mind by the Spirit of God? Has not this subject been presented in the testimonies again and again? When the Lord had given to my
brethren the burden to proclaim this message, I felt inexpressively grateful to God, for I knew it was the message for this time.--MS 24, 1888 (see also 3SM, p. 172). {3BIO 400.5}

It is interesting to note that several times Ellen White declared that she was not ready to accept some points made by Dr. Waggoner. Of this she wrote on November 1, while the conference was nearing its close: {3BIO 401.1}

Some interpretations of Scripture given by Dr. Waggoner I do
not regard as correct. But I believe him to be perfectly honest in his views, and I would respect his feelings and treat him as a
Christian gentleman. . . . The fact that he honestly holds some
views of Scripture differing from yours or mine is no reason why
we should treat him as an offender, or as a dangerous man, and
make him the subject of unjust criticism. We should not raise a
voice of censure against him or his teachings unless we can
present weighty reasons for so doing and show him that he is in
error. No one should feel at liberty to give loose rein to the
combative spirit. . . . {3BIO 401.2}

It would be dangerous to denounce Dr. Waggoner's position
as wholly erroneous. This would please the enemy. I see the
beauty of truth in the presentation of the righteousness of Christ in relation to the law as the doctor has placed it before us.--MS 15, 1888 (see also Olson, op. cit., p. 304). {3BIO 401.3}

Satan's Diverting Strategy

Here we see some of the fine points in the matter. In this statement she refers to the enemy; it is very clear that she considered what was taking place as a phase of the struggle between the forces of righteousness and the forces of the enemy. She had been forewarned: "I had presented before me in Europe chapters in the future experience of our people which are being fulfilled during this meeting. The reason given me was want of Bible piety and of the spirit and mind of Christ. The enemy has been placing his mold on the work for years, for it certainly is not the divine mold."--MS 21, 1888. {3BIO 401.4}

I say this to both of you. I'm not ready to argue on this point further. I don't feel it is productive. Paul is the most easily misunderstood author in the Bible, in my opinion, and this is why I challenged you to establish your views without him. Nor do I think it should be necessary to use his writings to support such an important doctrine as that of the covenant(s) of God, which are mentioned scores of times in other books throughout the Bible.

Paul seems to be pretty clear to me. It seems that the problem we are having is that he wasn't so clear to Ellen. Maybe this is one of those places we should take her advice and "take the Bible".

scott