Doctrine of repentance - Watson - III - Chapter 3 concluded

Required reading

Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Finish reading Chapter 3 (Ingredient 3). 

My summary
Today's reading is the third ingredient (of six): Confession of sin.

Watson teaches us that confession of sin must:
(i) be voluntary;
(ii) be with compunction;
(iii) be sincere;
(iv) be for particular sins;
(v) confess sin in the fountain;
(vi) be with all its circumstances and aggravations
(vii) clear God;
(viii) be with a resolution not to act them again.

Watson then looks at two uses of confession and finally whether auricular confession to other people is appropriate. 

What grabbed me
I thought it helpful when Watson emphasised that true confession is one that desires not to sin again: 'Origen calls confession the vomit of the soul whereby the conscience is eased of that burden which did lie upon it.  Now, when we have vomited up sin by confession we must not return to this vomit.  What king will pardon that man who, after he has confessed his treason, practises new treason?'  True repentance is not an easy repentance that returns to its sin. 

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.