He would much rather confess Jack's sins than his own.

Now Gundover wanted to do two things, save his pigs and poultry, and save Jack's soul.

He told the minister that Jack was a liar and a thief, and gave the minister a chance to talk with Uncle Jack about the state of his soul.
Uncle Jack listened very quietly, and when taxed with stealing his master's wheat he was ready with an answer.

'Now Massa Parker,' said Jack, 'lem'me tell yer jis' how it war 'bout dat wheat.

Wen ole Jack com'd down yere, dis place war all growed up in woods.