No; though closely related in operation, they should never be confused. Conscience is that moral faculty implanted by the Creator in every man,—that moral mentor witnessing to the immutable principle that right is right and wrong is wrong, and testifying that one should shun the wrong and follow the right. All have this faculty operative save those who have sunk so low in sin's indulgence as to be "past feeling." Eph. 4:19. Its perceptions and distinctions are in many instances dimmed or undeveloped, as in the case of the heathen. The more highly conscience is educated, the more nearly its perceptions are in harmony with the specifications of the Word of truth which were written under inspiration of the Spirit of truth.
The Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead, uses this implanted faculty as the instrument or means through which to operate upon the soul of man, building upon this innate conviction to bring responsive action. There is salvation for the soul if it will but yield to the divinely appointed combination. But never should it be thought or said that conscience is simply the Holy Spirit in operation. Wise are the ways of God.
L. E. F.
