For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!
One can raise his fellow when he falls, provided he is a true friend; but woe to him who falls alone, with no second to lift him up. The force lies in this stark contrast: companionship makes recovery possible, solitude leaves a man helpless.
AI summary
A companion lifts you when you fall, whether from a horse or into sin or error; but the solitary man has no one to restore him, no Christian friend to visit him in sickness, relieve him in poverty, or recover him from his wanderings. Most dreadful of all if he lacks Christ to uphold him.
AI summary
if they fall--if the one or other fall, as may happen to both, namely, into any distress of body, mind, or soul.