268. Albert's Influence on Theology. -- The very titles of his works bear witness to the clear distinction he established between rational knowledge and revealed knowledge. The study of Albert as a theologian does not belong to this history. We can merely point to the progress he realized by initiating a new application of the dialectic method (190). He made use of Aristotle for the defence of Catholic dogma, and showed the power of the new philosophy in the service of theology. This apologetic work was to receive a masterly completion from the hands of Thomas Aquinas. Theology was considered by Albert, as well as by St. Bonaventure, a practical rather than a speculative science.