I don't find ES heartless..more like confused. As a person who doesn't believe in what we believe, purely judging by his posts, he must naturally wonder why God tests those who worship him in this manner. Well ES a believer's explanation to that is God tests those he loves..The Prophets were among those most tested with afflictions yet it didn't weaken them in faith. Likewise we aspire to be like them when tested with afflictions. Just because we worship God does not mean he will leave us without trials in this world. However should we be patient and preserve in our worship then we are promised paradise in the hereafter where we will be free from pain & suffering eternally. And that for us is our ultimate aboard.