How does the following quote from paragraph 22 contribute to the author’s central ideas in the final section of the text: “the gods those who themselves"?

Based on the author’s last comment and motto “Nothing is more definitely settled than he must act for himself. I have shown how he may employ the boycott, emigration and the press, and I feel that by a combination of all these agencies can be effectually stamped out lynch law, that last relic of barbarism and slavery. "The gods help those who help themselves."” Expressing how the harder you work, the most you get.

2018 means 2018 ce or common era

there have been other eras too including bce, which included way more years.

i believe the answer to your question is b. pay your bills early