How did the individual expect to gain admission into the middle chamber?

The correct answer indicates that admission into the middle chamber was expected to be gained through a grip and a word. In the context of Masonic tradition, the grip refers to the specific handshake or sign of recognition shared among members, signifying trust and fraternity. The word represents a password or key phrase that must be spoken or acknowledged to gain access to certain knowledge or initiation rites.

The emphasis on the grip and the word aligns with the symbolism inherent in Freemasonry, where both physical acts (like the grip) and verbal elements (like the word) are integral to establishing bonds of membership and recognition among Craftsmen. This dual requirement underscores the values of secrecy and brotherhood that are central to Masonic teachings.

Other responses, while relating to forms of identification, do not encapsulate the specific rituals and symbols recognized in Masonic lore. The notion of “an offering and a promise” does not directly pertain to the structured protocols for admission, and “being called upon” implies a more passive process of invitation rather than the active engagement required by the grip and the word.