Exhibit 6

Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan LLP


                  CONSENT OF SUTHERLAND, ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP


     We consent to the reference to our firm under the heading "Legal Matters"
in the prospectus included in Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-6 for certain variable life insurance policies issued
through the New England Variable Life Separate Account of New England Life
Insurance Company (File No. 333-46401).  In giving this consent, we do not admit
that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7
of the Securities Act of 1933.


                     SUTHERLAND, ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP


                     By: /s/ Kimberly J. Smith
                         ---------------------
                         Kimberly J. Smith


Washington, D.C.
July 6, 1998