But they all either leave the question where they found it, or else they only seem to explain it, by denying covertly the fact that really wants explaining.
Such is free-will when examined by the natural reason--a thing that melts away inevitably first to haze, and then to utter nothingness.

And for a time we feel convinced that it really is nothing.

Let us, however, again retire from it to the common distance, and the phantom we thought exorcised is again back in an instant.

There is the sphinx once more, distinct and clear as ever, holding in its hand the scales of good and evil, and demanding a curse or a blessing for every human action.

We are once more certain--more certain of this than anything--that we are, as we always thought we were, free agents, free to choose, and free to refuse; and that in virtue of this freedom, and in virtue of this alone, we are responsible for what we do and are.
Let us consider this point well.