The old pilot light switch that I am replacing for my attic had four terminals on it; a black and white wire connect on each side. The new switch that I purchased to install has only three terminals: a silver screw and a brass screw are on one side, a black on the other. I've tried a few combinations but none have worked. If anyone has any insight please share! (and I'm only a novice DIYer, so easy on the jargon please!)

Connect the two white wires together with a wirenut and add a pig tail. Wire switch as shown in diagram below.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSymH37MGN7wKaeV7ME_l-QoXOR_hIvVSj-QMA5HWtp5brlZrEr

Shunstripper, are you sure you want that link posted here

Just jokin'

Op said easy on the Jargon

Just seeing if he objected to Jar Jar (Binks) too.

That's she shuntripper...