The servant replied that he thought it was the loftiness of the trees of the vineyard which had caused the trouble. He felt the branches had overcome the roots, which was the source of their strength. The branches therefore grew faster than the strength of the roots could provide and began taking strength unto themselves. As pointed out in verse 37, we suggested that this has reference to the numerous sects of Christianity which sprung up in place of the true Church and took strength unto themselves by setting up apostate doctrines and extravagant religious orders contrary to the scriptures or the root of the tree.