SUBLIME KNIGHT ELECT, sometimes called TWELVII ILLUSTRIOUS KNIGHTS. The llth degree of the Ancient and Accepted rite. This degree completes the series of Elect degrees, viz: Elect of Nine, Elect of Fifteen and Sublime Knight Elect. The legend of this degree specifies that after vengeance had been taken on the traitors, Solomon, to reward those had remained faithful to their trust, as well as to make room for the exaltation of others to the degree of Elect of Fifteen, appointed twelve of these latter, chosen by their companions, to constitute a new degree, on which he bestowed the title of Sublime Elect, and endowed them with a certain command to provide supplies for the king and his household; to see that the taxes were fairly assessed; to superintend the collection of the revenue; and to protect the people against rapacity and extortion of the tax-gatherers. In this degree is shadowed forth the great principle—free constitutions, without which liberty would often be but a name—the trial by jury of twelvb men, whose unanimous verdict is necessary to convict of crime. The
is called a Chapter. It is lighted with twelve lights, by threes, in the East, West, North, and South; each three forming an equilateral triangle. The presiding officer represents King Solomon, and is styled Thrice Illustrious Sovereign; the two Wardens are styled Inspectors; the Chapter consists of twelve members only. The apron is white, lined, edged and fringed with black, and the flap is black. In the middle of the apron is painted or em broidered a flaming heart. The sash is a black ribbon, worn from right to left, and on which, over the breast, is painted or embroidered, a flamingheart; and over that .
the words, Vincere aut Mori. The jewel is a sword, worn suspended to the sash.