Is it true that Ibn Taymiyyah said the Ash'aris are the masters of Islam, and if that is true, how could he praise those who differ with Ahl al-Sunnah in creed?

This statement was made by Sheikh al-Islam concerning the scholars of Al-Sham, some of whom agreed with him on the creed of thef, and among them were Ash'aris. Sheikh al-Islam's praise for Ash'ari scholars is extensive. For instance, after mentioning a group of them, he رحمه الله said: "Furthermore, there is no one among these but that he has praiseworthy efforts and righteous deeds in Islam, and he has, in refuting many of the people of atheism and innovation, and in supporting many of the people of Sunnah and religion, what is not hidden from one who knows their circumstances." And there is no wonder in Sheikh al-Islam's praise for the scholars and virtuous among the Ash'aris, for they are either a mujtahid whose error is forgiven, or one who interprets, or one who imitates and is excused. And he, رحمه الله, was among the most broad-minded people in the matter of excusing others.