Elizabeth Scott (hymnwriter)

Elizabeth Scott (1708-1776) was an English hymnwriter. Born in Norwich, England, she was the daughter of Thomas Scott, a dissenting minister, and the sister of both Thomas Scott, a commentator on the Bible, and John Scott, another Anglican clergyman and writer. While she never married, she devoted her life to religious pursuits and writing.

Although she wrote poetry and prose, Elizabeth Scott is primarily remembered for her hymns. Her most notable hymn is "Happy the Souls to Jesus Joined," a hymn celebrating Christian fellowship and unity. It reflects her strong theological convictions and her desire for believers to live in harmony with one another. The hymn was widely adopted by various denominations in both England and America. Other hymns are attributed to her, although fewer achieved the lasting popularity of "Happy the Souls to Jesus Joined." Her work often explores themes of love, unity, and the joys of Christian community.

Her hymns were typically published in collections, often anonymously or attributed only by initials. Consequently, definitively attributing all her hymns can be challenging. She died in Whittlesford, Cambridgeshire.