Hillary Clinton Quotes Passage From Galatians In Concession Speech

Hillary Clinton addresses her staff and supporters about the results of the US. election at a hotel in the Manhattan borough of New York, US.Reuters

Hillary Clinton quoted from scripture today in her first speech since she lost the presidency to Donald Trump.

Quoting from Galatians 6:9, she said: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

She added: "Let us have faith in each other. Let us not grow weary. Let us not lose heart. For there are more seasons to come and...more work to do."

The lines came at the end of an unusually emotional and graceful speech in which she said that "we owe [Trump] an open mind and a chance to lead".

She said: "Last night I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope that he will be a president for all of our country."

Addressing her supporters, she acknowledged that the defeat was "painful".

"I'm sorry that we did not win this election for the values we all share," she said. "You represent the best of America, and being your candidate has been one of the greatest honours of my life. I know how disappointed you feel, because I feel it too...This is painful, and it will be for a long time. But I want you to remember this. Our campaign was never about one person... it was about building a country that we love."

Flanked by her husband Bill, daughter Chelsea and running mate Tim Kaine and his wife Anne Holton, she conceded that the country was bitterly divided.

"We have seen that our country was more deeply divided than we ever thought...We must accept this result... Donald Trump is going to be our president... we owe him an open mind and a chance to lead," she said.

Aiming her comments at women, she went on: "And to all the women... who put their faith in this campaign and me... I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion. I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but I know someday someone will, and hopefully sooner than we might think right now. And to all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable... and deserving of every chance... to pursue your own dreams."

Clinton received one of the biggest ovations from her supporters gathered at a New York hotel when she paid tribute to the outgoing President, Barack Obama.

"To Barack and Michelle Obama - our country owes you an enormous debt of gratitude," she said. "We thank you for your graceful determined leadership that has meant so much."

She went on to thank her family for their support. "And to Bill and Chelsea, Mark, Charlotte, Aidan... my love for you means more than I can ever express. You criss-crossed this country on my behalf and lifted me up when I needed it most."

She added of her staff and her campaign: "You poured your hearts into this campaign... you were the best campaign that anybody could have ever expected or wanted.

"And to the millions of volunteers, community leaders, activists and union organizers... I want everybody coming out... and make sure your voices are heard going forward."

Addressing young people, she said: "You will have successes and setbacks too. This loss hurts. But please never stop believing that fighting for what's right is worth it."