CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Financial
Highlights" in the Prospectuses and "Independent Auditors" in the Statement of
Additional Information included in Post-Effective Amendment Number 14 to the
Registration Statement (Form N-1A, No. 33-64465) of John Hancock Declaration
Trust.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference into the Statement of
Additional Information our report, dated February 9, 2001, on the financial
statements included in the Annual Report of John Hancock Declaration Trust for
the year ended December 31, 2000.



                                        /s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                        --------------------

Boston, Massachusetts
April 24, 2001