<PAGE>
EXHIBIT (j)(1)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective
Amendment No. 70 to the Registration Statement (1933 Act File No. 2-90946) of
Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust on behalf of Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Emerging
Growth Fund (the "Fund") of our report dated December 3, 1999, on our audit of
the financial statements and financial highlights of the Fund which report is
included in the Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended October 31,
1999 which is incorporated by reference in the Statement of Additional
Information.
We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the heading "Financial
Highlights" in the Prospectus and under the heading "Other Service Providers" in
the Statement of Additional Information of the Registration Statement.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
December 27, 2000
Boston, Massachusetts
C-13