PHILADELPHIAN Society. in ecclesiastical history, an
obscure and inconsiderable society of mystics. They
were formed about the end of the last century by an
English female fanatic, whose name was Jane Leadley.
This woman, seduced by her visions, predictions, and
doctrines, several disciples, among whom were persons
of learning. She believed that all dissensions among
Christians would cease, and the kingdom of the Re-
deemer become a scene of charity and felicity, if Chris-
tians, disregarding the forms of doctrine or discipline
of their several communions, would all join in commit-
ting their souls to the care of the internal guide, to be
instructed, governed, and formed, by his divine impulse
and suggestions. But she went farther than this: she
even pretended a divine commission to proclaim the ap-
proach of this glorious communion of saints; and was
convinced that the society established by herself was the
true kingdom of Christ. One of her leading doctrines
was, that of the final restoration of all intelligent beings
to perfection and happiness.