William Burkitt on Matthew 3:6

This place the papists bring to support their doctrine of auricular confession; but very groundlessly.

For, 1. The confession of those converts was voluntary, and not constrained.

2. It was general, and not of every particular sin.

3. It was public and open, not in the ear of a priest.

4. It was a confession of sin committes before baptism, not after they were baptized: in all which circumstances it differs from the auricular confession of the church of Rome very greatly.

Note, That confession of sin past, together with a profession of faith in and obedience to Christ for the time to come, are necessary requisites and qualifications in all persons of riper years that are admitted to baptism, upon their confession of sin, and promise to become better, may be admitted to the holy sacrament, provided that we warn them, as the baptist did these, not only to make profession of repentance, but to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance.