A method of cementing a wellbore comprising preparing a cement composition comprising a water-soluble aromatic sulfonated polymer, and placing the cement composition into the wellbore, wherein the cement composition develops a compressive strength of greater than about zero in less time than a similar cement composition having a comparable thickening time and lacking a water-soluble aromatic sulfonated polymer. A cement composition comprising a water-soluble aromatic sulfonated polymer, wherein the cement composition develops a compressive strength of greater than about zero in less time than a similar cement composition having comparable thickening time and lacking a water-soluble aromatic sulfonated polymer.