A secret service was instituted to see that the changes were adopted, and the knout and the ax were the accompaniment of every reforming edict.

This extraordinary man was by main force dragging a sullen and angry nation into the path of progress, and by artificial means trying to accomplish in a lifetime what had been the growth of centuries in other lands.

Then there must be no competing authorities--no suns shining near to the Central Sun.
The Patriarchate--which, after Nikon's attempt in the reign of his grandfather, had been shorn of authority--was now abolished, and a Holy Synod of his own appointing took its place.

For the _Sobor_ or States-General there was substituted a Senate, also of his own appointing.

The _Streltsui_, or militia, was swept out of existence; the military Cossacks were deprived of their _Hetman_ or leader; and a standing army, raised by recruiting, replaced these organizations.
Nobility meant service.